AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2025-91R, authorizing the re-submission of a taskforce grant application to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority for a grant in the amount of $177,401.00 to fund the continuing operation of an auto crimes unit within the police department, including funding for one full-time sworn officer position and nine license plate reader cameras; this is to keep the same level of service and not requesting any additional cameras; authorizing matching funds in the amount of $36,585.00; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute any and all documents as needed to apply for, accept, implement, decline, modify, or cancel the grant, if awarded; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: May 20, 2025
Department: Police
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $36,585
Account Number: Matching funds
Funds Available: Contingent of FY2026 budget approval
Account Name: City Match
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: On December 3, 2024, the City Council approved the submission of this same grant, which was awarded in early 2025. The grant requires renewal each year.
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Background Information:
In 2024, the Police Department applied for and received a grant from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA). The MVCPA awards grants to agencies to raise awareness of vehicle theft and burglary and implement education and prevention initiatives. It was created by the 72nd Texas Legislature and became the first statewide effort to reduce auto theft.
In calendar year 2024, the City of San Marcos experienced (5) stolen vehicles every week. In the two previous calendar years, there were (4) stolen vehicles each week. In 2024, there were 398 vehicle burglaries. The Police Department received the MVCPA grant to stand up an auto theft taskforce to reduce thefts and burglaries, thus necessitating (1) sworn position as well as (9) Flock cameras. Detective Casey Tennant currently serves in the role of the sworn position.
The grant requirements include an annual re-submission and award process. The Department seeks the approval of the City Council to continue this same level of funding to sustain the (1) FTE position and the (9) cameras. No new cameras or employees are added to this grant request, but instead the Department seeks to continue funding for the FTE and the (9) cameras. The grant requires a 20% match, so the total General Fund impact would be $36,585, which the Finance Department has included in the Proposed FY 2026 budget.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the grant submission in furtherance of continued grant funding.