Discuss the opportunity for Williamson County Sheriff's Office to participate in the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force (HOTATTF).

The Sheriff's Office has been given the opportunity to be included in a grant application funding the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force. Burnet County oversees the HOTATTF and recently submitted a grant application to receive funding from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA). Williamson County is currently under no obligation to participate. If the program is funded and the court approves our participation, Burnet County will oversee the project and Williamson County will join with an interlocal agreement for the period of 09/01/2023 - 08/31/2024.

The grant will provide approximately $112,000 to fund the salary, fringe and various equipment for a new detective position based at the Williamson County Sheriff's Office. Above the funding of these items, the grant also provides for a vehicle, computer, cell phone and other supplies for the detective. Williamson County's responsibility would be approximately $22,500 for the required 20% match. If our participation is approved, an additional $22,500 would be needed for supplies and equipment not provided by the grant. The detective will be an employee of Williamson County.

If the grant is funded, a final budget and interlocal agreement will be submitted to the court for approval to participate in the program. This grant has the possibility of renewing on an annual basis. A 20% match would be required but supplies and equipment costs would be reduced in subsequent years.