Title
Proposed Use of U. S. Department of Justice Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Funds (B)
Explanation
The City has been approved to receive a direct award of $236,590 in Federal Funds under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program, which is being matched with $26,287 from the General Fund fund balance reserve designated for grant matches. The City proposes to use $200,000 of these combined funds for law enforcement equipment including mobile data terminals for field use and associated software and equipment required for an operational system. An additional $41,000 will fund prevention and public education efforts through the use of local media. The remaining $21,877 will be directed towards other crime prevention programs such as the Reichert House.
A Special Condition of the Grant Award is that, "The recipient agrees that prior to the obligation of funds at least one (1) public hearing will be held regarding the proposed use of the payment under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant in relation to its entire budget. At the hearing, persons shall be given an opportunity to provide written and oral views to the unit of local government about the entire budget and the relation of the Grant to the entire budget."
Fiscal Note
The grant requires a 10% match in the amount of $26,287. Funds for this expenditure are available in the General Fund fund balance reserve designated for grant matches.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hold a public hearing regarding the City's proposed use of funds awarded under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grants Program, established within the Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Fiscal Year 1996 Omnibus Appropriations Act (Public Law 104-134); 2) hear a report from staff on the City's proposed use of these funds; and 3) receive written and oral public input about the local government's entire budget and the relation of the grant to the entire budget.