Title
U.S. Department of Justice Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Funding (NB)
This is a request for City Commission approval for the Gainesville Police Department to apply for funding through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program.
Explanation
The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, allows law enforcement to apply for grant funding through the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. The program reimburses law enforcement agencies for up to fifty percent (50%) of the total costs of purchasing bulletproof vests to replace zylon bulletproof vests. The City needs to replace 190 vests for fiscal year 2015 at an approximate cost of $111,834.
The Gainesville Police Department has applied for the grant. The match would come from the Federal Forfeiture funds in the amount of $55,917. This is a permissible use of Federal Forfeiture funds as stated in the Guide to Equitable sharing for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies.
Fiscal Note
The City of Gainesville will be able to purchase up to $111,834 in bulletproof vests and be reimbursed for fifty percent (50%) of the cost, up to a maximum of $55,917. The fifty percent (50%) of funding from the Gainesville Police Department is requested to come from departmental Forfeiture Funds. The unreserved balance of the fund as of March 26, 2014 is $1,173,806.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager to: 1) accept the grant funds if awarded; 2) execute any other necessary documents, subject to review by the City Attorney as to form and legality; and 3) approve the expenditure from Federal Forfeiture funds in the amount of $55,917.
Alternative Recommendation
The City Commission decline the grant funds if awarded and come up with an alternative source of funding to replace the vests.