AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2025-92R, awarding a contract to Matrix Consulting Group to conduct a departmental staffing study for the police department in an amount not to exceed $116,000.00; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the contract on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: May 6, 2025
Department: Police Department - Stan Standridge, Chief
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $116,000
Account Number: 10002141-52230
Funds Available: Yes
Account Name: Professional Services
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: During FY 2026 budget discussions, Council requested a formal staffing study conducted by an outside vendor before Police Department staffing would be considered for upcoming fiscal years.
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Background Information:
In March 2022, Retired Police Chief Marlin Price on behalf of the Texas Police Chiefs Association submitted a formal staffing assessment of the San Marcos Police Department at the request of Chief Stan Standridge. This was a comprehensive assessment that included a review of departmental records, reports, files, and documentation; interviews with departmental personnel; and observation of operations through interviews and ride-a-longs. The author noted: “In summary, the department is currently staffed in a manner that allows only the most minimal community engagement activities and with the city growing steadily, more demands for service will follow. The below additional positions are needed today in order to move the department to 40 percent community engagement time:
In 2022, the City experienced a remarkable crime increase, most notably with violent crime:
Consequently, the Department sought to update the staffing analysis and released a report in April of 2023. That report detailed the following: “To help make the San Marcos Police Department more efficient by emphasizing proactive measures against rising violent crime, SMPD requests an increase in budgetary funds to include the addition of key personnel (a breakdown of divisional needs can be found in Table Two):
• • 14 sworn officers
• • 7 telecommunicators
• • 15 civilians across four divisions: administration, patrol, investigations, and evidence
Previous Councils communicated to the City Manager’s Office that public safety staffing was a priority, and each year officers and/or professional staff were added. The current authorized sworn strength of the Department is 125, and the Department also employs 56 professional staff.
During the FY 2026-2027 budget preparation discussions with the Mayor and City Council, staff was asked to conduct a formal, external staffing assessment. Matrix Consulting Group was used by the City of San Marcos in CY 2025 to formally evaluate the Marshals Division. Consequently, a formal proposal was sought from Matrix Consulting Group to also evaluate the Police Department. Their proposal is included in the Council packet for review. The City Manager has communicated to Matrix that the preferred timeframe for completion would be July 2025, thus helping frame budget discussions for FY 2026-2027.
Professional services provided by Matrix Consulting Group under this contract are exempt from competitive solicitation per Local Government Code, Section 252.022(a)(4).
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the proposal with Matrix Consulting Group.