Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a Fiscal Year 2025 Local Border Security Program (FY 2025 LBSP) grant award in the amount of $130,000 from the Office of Homeland Security Grants Division (HSGD) for the Sheriff’s Office peace officers’ overtime and applicable fringe benefits to provide enhanced border security in the Laredo/Webb County area, and designating the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any match and, thus, will have no impact on the general fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Grant Account #2741]

Issue: The State of Texas recognizes that border communities face urgent security challenges caused by increased activity from transnational organized criminal syndicates and their allies that are intensified by the fluidity of border crossings, heavy commercial activity, and interdependence of the international border communities’ economies. These socio-economic pressures place increased demands on law enforcement services and intensify the need for augmented public safety resources.

Solution: Grant award to provide enhanced border security in Laredo/Webb County in order to fulfill State of Texas local border security program objectives, including overtime (OT) resources to suppress, deter, and reduce border-related criminal activity in Texas.

Result: Enhanced/increased patrol and investigative capacity for certified peace officers working at the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.

The Local Border Security Program (LBSP) is funded by the Texas Legislature. It is a reimbursement grant program for costs spent on eligible activities in order to reduce border-related criminal activity in Texas as well as disrupt/deter operations of gang/cartel criminal organizations.

The submission and approval of this grant by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office is approved by the Webb County Commissioners’ Court on a yearly basis.