Discussion and possible action to ratifyu the submission of a continuation grant application for the Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program, funded under Texas Senate Bill 22, in an amount estimated at $275,000 to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Funds will be used to support salary and fringe benefits for the Webb County District Attorney’s Office. This grant does not require a cash match and will not impact the general fund. All required documents have been submitted to the Economic Development Department and were reviewed for compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. [Requested by Honorable District Attorney Isidro R. Alaniz; Grant Fund #2717]

Issue: Retaining and hiring employees with experience has been an ongoing issue with prosecuting offices around Texas.

Solution: Use the amount if awarded to pay higher salaries and be able to retain employees.

Result: The District Attorney’s Office will be able to retain and higher employees.

Background: 
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.