PRESENTER: Presenter
Christopher Greenwell, Grants Coordinator
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a resolution of the New Braunfels City Council to ratify the submission of an application for funding provided by the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office Bullet Resistant Door Panels for Law Enforcement Vehicles, FY 2026, and authorizing the City Manager to act on behalf of the City in all matters related to the grant if awarded.
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DEPARTMENT: Police
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of New Braunfels has recently requested funding for the purchase and installation of bullet-resistant vehicle door panels for use by the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD), aiming to enhance officer safety and operational readiness. If awarded, these panels would better support NBPD during critical incidents and active-threat situations. Currently, ballistic protection for officers is limited to personal body armor and specialized SWAT vehicles, which may have an extended response time depending on the location and nature of the incident. Upfitting the Police Department's marked vehicle fleet with these bullet-resistant components will help reduce response times, enhance tactical safety, and expand the Police Department's capabilities to protect officers and those they serve.
City staff recently submitted a grant application for a total amount of $256,394, consisting of $5,000 allocated for the installation of the bullet-resistant door panels and $251,394 for the bullet-resistant door panels themselves. This funding allocation represents the purchase and installation of these door panels on 143 vehicles in the New Braunfels Police Department's marked vehicle fleet. The granting agency will provide funds for 100% of the total amount; therefore, there is no City-match requirement.
ISSUE:
Submission of the grant application supports the City’s Strategic Priorities as follows: Use a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☒Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
Use a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The granting agency will provide reimbursement of all awarded costs; there is no City-match requirement.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends approval of a resolution of the New Braunfels City Council to ratify the submission of an application for funding provided by the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office Bullet Resistant Door Panels for Law Enforcement Vehicles, FY 2026, and authorizing the City Manager to act on behalf of the City in all matters related to the grant if awarded.