Discuss, consider and take appropriate action to authorize the Williamson County Sheriff's Office to accept the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) FY2020 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Comprehensive Grant.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) annually offers the opportunity for law enforcement agencies to apply for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Comprehensive Grant. The STEP grant provides funding for overtime enforcement activities within high-crash areas throughout the fiscal year with special focus and media opportunities during five holiday periods: Christmas/New Year's, Spring Break, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. The enforcement focuses on five (5) activities: Driving While Intoxicated/Driving Under the Influence, Failure to Use Occupant Restraint (Including child-passenger safety seats), Intersection Traffic Control, Speed Enforcement/Control, and Distracted Driving.

Through this grant, Williamson County is eligible to be reimbursed $49,963.36 for overtime costs associated with these enforcement activities. All participants are required to provide a minimum match of twenty percent (20%). Our match of $13,884.96 will be met through administrative salary and fringe benefit costs related to implementing the grant, fringe benefits on overtime and vehicle costs. The total grant will be $63,848.32.

The only additional cost to the County will be approximately $8,000.00 in vehicle usage and will be included in the FY2020 budget. Attached is the grant agreement (not a binding document), electronic signature authorization form and updated Terms and Conditions.

Staff recommends the following action: Give approval to accept the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) FY2020 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Comprehensive Grant and authorize appropriate County department personnel to complete documentation relevant to the implementation of the grant.