Discuss, consider and take appropriate action to create a dedicated, partially grant-funded detective position, allowing the Williamson County Sheriff's Office to participate in the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force (HOTATTF), subject to receipt of the grant funding and approval of the HOTATTF Interlocal Agreement by the Commissioners Court at a later date. 

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office has been invited to participate in the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force (HOTATTF), a multi-county task force focusing on the investigation and reduction of auto theft and auto burglaries. HOTATTF is supported, in part, by grant funding from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority of the State of Texas (MVCPA) obtained by Burnet County, the county that oversees HOTATTF. As a participant in HOTATTF, the Sheriff's Office will be a recipient of that grant funding to fund a HOTATTF dedicated Sheriff's Office detective position. The grant application for FY2024 was submitted by Burnet County and they have received notification that the grant project (HOTATTF) is approved, including the funding for the Sheriff's Office detective position. Burnet County is currently in negotiations to finalize the grant agreement and will then seek approval from their Commissioners Court to accept the grant. Once Burnet County Commissioners Court has approved accepting the grant, an interlocal agreement will be submitted to the Williamson County Commissioners Court and the other participating counties (Coryell, McLennan) for approval. 

For budget purposes, the Sheriff's Office is seeking approval to create a dedicated, partially grant funded detective position, subject to receipt of the grant funding and the Commissioners Court's approval of the HOTATTF Interlocal Agreement at a later date.

The grant will provide approximately $112,000 to fund the salary, fringe, and various equipment for the 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. Williamson County's responsibility would be approximately $22,500 for the required 20% match and 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.

This grant has the possibility of renewing on an annual basis. A 20% match would be required; supplies and equipment costs would be reduced in subsequent years. 

Staff recommends the following action: Give approval to create a dedicated, partially grant-funded detective position, subject to the receipt of grant funding and approval of the HOTATTF Interlocal Agreement by the Commissioners Court at a later date and authorize County department personnel to complete relevant documentation.