Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a continuation grant application for the FY27 Rural Sheriff’s Office Salary Assistance Grant, funded under Texas Senate Bill 22, to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in an amount estimated at $500,000. Funds will be used to support salary and fringe benefits for peace officers and radio dispatchers, as well as costs associated with equipment, minor tools, contractual services, repairs and maintenance, and supplies for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office. Further requesting authorization for the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents associated with the application, and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require a cash match and will have no impact on the County’s General Fund. All required documents have been submitted to the Economic Development Department and reviewed for compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Policy. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Grant Fund #2716]

Issue: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office, like many rural law enforcement agencies, operates under constrained financial, operational, and personnel resources. These limitations present ongoing challenges in addressing complex and evolving criminal justice and public safety needs.

Solution: Through the FY27 Rural Sheriff’s Office Salary Assistance Grant, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office will leverage available state grant funding to support personnel costs and other eligible operational expenses necessary to strengthen law enforcement services.

Result: Continued grant funding will supplement and enhance the Sheriff’s Office’s operational capacity, improve public safety and service delivery, and provide necessary resources without imposing additional financial demands on the County’s General Fund.

Senate Bill (SB) 22 was passed in the Texas 88th Regular Legislative Session. SB 22 establishes a grant program that will provide financial assistance to sheriff’s departments in eligible counties to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of people’s interests throughout the state.
 

The court approves the submission of this grant application on a yearly basis.