Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a continuation Rural Law Enforcement Grant (Texas Senate Bill 22) application in the amount estimated at $500,000 to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts as developed, written, and submitted by Webb County Sheriff’s Office Grant Writer in conjunction with the Webb County Judge’s Office for the salary/fringe benefits of peace officers and radio dispatchers as well as equipment, minor tools, contractual services, repairs & maintenance, and supplies for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any cash match; and, thus, there will be no impact to the general fund.  All required documents were sent to the Economic Development Department and were found in compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Grant Fund #2716]

Issue: Like other local law enforcement agencies, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office utilizes limited financial, operational, and manpower resources to grapple with, deter, mitigate, and/or resolve various serious criminal justice matters that stem from a confluence of deeply rooted, difficult, and often highly complex societal problems.

Solution: Leveraging of other federal, state, and local resources available to local law enforcement agencies allows the Webb County Sheriff's Office to be able to provide better and more enhanced law enforcement services with a positive financial impact to local taxpayers, who also pay state and federal taxes but do not always receive the same federal/state benefits/services as other communities.

Result: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office law enforcement efforts will be enhanced and supplemented by the continued grant funding of additional grant-funded personnel, equipment, supplies, and other needs.

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 the people’s interests throughout the state.  The new law provides supplemental salaries for different positions in rural areas.

The initial grant award was accepted by the court on 4/08/2024.