Discussion and possible action to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Webb County, through the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter, establishing the coordinated roles, responsibilities, and collaborative partnership necessary to support the implementation of the Fiscal Year 2026 Improving Criminal Justice Responses (ICJR) Grant Program, contingent upon grant award; and any other matters incident thereto. The MOU is a required component of the grant application. The grant requires no cash match and will have no impact on the General Fund. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff]

Issue: Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking require timely access to victim-centered services, safety planning, advocacy, and referrals. Continued coordination between law enforcement and victim service providers is necessary to strengthen the response to these crimes and ensure victims receive appropriate support throughout the criminal justice process.

Solution: Approve the MOU between Webb County and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter to formalize their collaborative partnership for the ICJR Grant Program. The agreement will outline each party’s roles and responsibilities in coordinating victim services, referrals, advocacy, training and other grant-funded activities.

Result: The MOU will strengthen coordination between the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter, improving access to supportive services and resources for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. If awarded, the grant will support a more coordinated, victim-centered response that promotes safety, recovery, accountability and access to justice.

The proposed MOU is a required component of the FY 2026 ICJR Grant Program application. It memorializes the collaborative partnership between Webb County and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter and demonstrates their shared commitment to improving services and criminal justice responses for victims throughout Webb County.