Discussion and possible action to approve the acceptance of a FY 2025 Rural Law Enforcement Grant (Texas Senate Bill 22) continuation grant award for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $500,000 from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and as developed and submitted by Webb County Sheriff’s Office Grant Writer in conjunction with the Webb County Judge’s Office for the continued employment of grant-funded peace officers and radio dispatchers, including the augmentation of one (1) additional peace officer slot, as well as the purchase of equipment, minor tools, 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 (Sheriff’s Office Rural Law)]

Issue: Like other local law enforcement agencies across the United States, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office utilizes limited financial, operational, and manpower resources to grapple with, prevent, 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: Through the Texas Senate Bill 22 grant funds, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office is able to hire additional staff and purchase supplemental equipment.

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

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 grant funding for different positions in rural areas.

This grant application was authorized by the court for submission by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office on 08/12/2024.