Title
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2010 Formula Program: Local Solicitation (NB)
The City Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed use of $104,608 from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds and will approve the grant application for these funds.
Explanation
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, has announced available grant funds to local units of government through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). The City of Gainesville is eligible to receive $104,608 in funding through this grant. The JAG program allows local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime. The funding distribution is based on population and crime statistics, as well as law enforcement expenditure data. The JAG Program blends the previous Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) programs to provide agencies with the flexibility to prioritize and place justice funds where they are needed the most. The Gainesville Police Department proposes to utilize the funds received under this grant to purchase additional digital in-car video cameras for patrol vehicles, forensic equipment to support crime scene investigation, supplies for Reichert House Youth Academy and for the Citizens on Patrol Program, and instructional video programming.
Fiscal Note
The $104,608 in grant funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant is distributed up front instead of on a reimbursement basis. The award can fund projects beyond a four year period, allowing successful initiatives to receive funding to continue and expand their efforts. There are no required local matching funds for this grant award.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear a report from staff on the City's proposed use of these funds; 2) authorize the City Manager to accept and execute the grant award and any other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 3) approve the expenditures as outlined in the approved grant award.