Discuss, consider and take appropriate action to authorize the Williamson County Sheriff's Office to amend the program dates of the Cold Case Task Force and Coalition Project through the Criminal Justice Division Criminal Justice Program grant.

On October 15, 2019, agenda item #41, the Commissioners Court approved the Sheriff's Office to accept an award of $100,000.00 through a grant from the Office of the Governor's Criminal Justice Division's Criminal Justice Program. The grant funds the Cold Case Task Force and Coalition Project, providing the Cold Case Unit with computers, monitors, specialized software, scanners, printer, external hard drives, travel expenses, training expenses and a grant-funded part-time Crime Analyst position.

The approved program dates are October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, and we are seeking approval to amend the program dates to October 1, 2019  - December 31, 2020.  Because of several factors including the cancellation of in-person coalition meetings and reduced travel due to COVID restrictions, we have a surplus of funds within the grant budget. The additional time will allow us the opportunity to maintain the grant-funded, part-time Criminal Analyst position through the calendar year and allow additional time to fund programs in the grant.

Staff recommends the following action: Approve the Sheriff's Office to amend the program dates of the Cold Case Task Force and Coalition Project through the Criminal Justice Division Criminal Justice Program grant and approve appropriate County department personnel to complete documentation relevant to the implementation of the grant.