PRESENTER: Presenter
Christopher Greenwell, Grants Coordinator
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a Resolution authorizing the submission of an application for funding under the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program as administered by the office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division’s FY 2027 Criminal Justice Program Grant and authorizing the City Manager, or their designee, to act on behalf of the City of New Braunfels in all matters related to this grant, including execution of all required documentation associated with any resulting award, and designating the Director of Finance, or their designee, as the financial officer for this grant as awarded.
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DEPARTMENT: Finance
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
New Braunfels’ City Council strategic priorities include using a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs. As such, staff will be applying to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2027, as administered by the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, to request funding on behalf of the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD) for the purchase of a forensic shooting tank.
If awarded, the grant will provide funding for the purchase of a forensic shooting tank that would allow New Braunfels Police Department investigators to perform analysis on bullets fired into the tank to determine whether a recovered firearm was used in a crime or not.
Currently, New Braunfels Police Department investigators need to outsource these services to outside crime labs, increasing the time needed to solve cases and bring criminals to justice.
City staff will be submitting a grant application that, if awarded, will provide funds for 100% of the total amount for the equipment.
If approved, the grant will be awarded by October 1st, 2026
Staff is also requesting City Council approval of a resolution, as required by the granting agency, that will authorize our City Manager, or their designee, to act as the authorized official on behalf of the City in all matters related to this grant. The designated authorized official is given the power to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate the grant on behalf of the applicant agency.
Finally, staff requests City Council approval of a resolution, as required by the granting agency, that will authorize the Director of Finance, or their designee, to act as the financial officer on behalf of the City in all matters related to this grant. The financial officer is given the power to submit financial and/or programmatic reports or alter a grant on behalf of the applicant agency.
ISSUE:
The City’s adopted 2024-2029 Strategic Plan includes objectives pertaining to fiscal sustainability supported by the grant application, its associated resolution, and requested equipment for the New Braunfels Police Department.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☐Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☒Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
Considering statutory and market-based factors, continue to diversify revenue streams to support long-term fiscal sustainability of the Organization.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The granting agency will provide reimbursement of all awarded costs; there is no City-match requirement.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.