Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a FY2027 Criminal Justice Program grant application to the Office of the Governor (OOG) in the amount of up to $45,000.00 for overtime and applicable fringe benefits for member of the Mental Health Unit to provide mental health services, including commitments executions of court orders, and transport to mental health facilities for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents; including the resolution, and any other matters incident thereto. Authorized Signatory regarding all matters related to the County’s involvement in the Criminal Justice Grant Program. This grant requires no cash match. This grant will have no impact on the general fund. All required documents were submitted to the Economic Development Department and were found to be in compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. 

Issue: The demand for mental health-related law enforcement services continues to increase, requiring specialized response from trained personnel. Deputies assigned to the Mental Health Unit are frequently called upon to conduct emergency mental health commitments, execute court-ordered mental health warrants, and transport individuals to appropriate treatment facilities. These responsibilities often require overtime to ensure timely, lawful, and safe responses. Without dedicated funding, these essential services can strain staffing resources and limit the Sheriff’s Office's ability to effectively address mental health crises in the community. 

Solution: Approval of the Criminal Justice Program grant application will provide funding for overtime and applicable fringe benefits for members of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Unit. Grant-funded overtime will allow deputies to continue providing critical mental health services, including emergency commitments, execution of court orders, and transportation to mental health facilities, without impacting the County’s General Fund. This funding supports a specialized, professional response to mental health incidents while maintaining compliance with state and local mandates.

Result: Grant funding will enhance the Sheriff’s Office's capacity to respond effectively and efficiently to mental health-related incidents, ensuring individuals in crisis receive timely access to appropriate care. The anticipated result includes improved public safety, reduced strain on patrol resources, and better outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, all achieved with no required cash match and no financial impact to the County’s General Fund.

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