AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2024-241R, authorizing the submission of a Taskforce Grant Application to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) for a grant in the amount of $177,401.00 to fund the establishment of an auto crimes unit within the police department, including the addition one full-time sworn officer and 10 license plate recognition cameras; authorizing matching funds in the amount of $35,482.00 toward said project; 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: December 3, 2024
Department: Police Department
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $35,482.00
Account Number: GRANT-CITY MATCH
Funds Available: $35,482
Account Name: GRANT-CITY MATCH
Fiscal Note:
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Background Information:
The MVCPA Taskforce Grant Application and related Resolution were both approved by Council at the August 20, 2024 Council Meeting. Since then, the City was notified that it was selected for funding, and a Grant Award issued, which is also attached.
The funder, the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority, has now requested an updated Resolution that provides more detailed language on guidance and designation of the City’s Authorized Official. The attached Resolution does this.
Grant Background: Auto theft crimes have remained high for the last several years, in San Marcos and regionally. As of August 2024, there have been 157 stolen vehicles, up from 103 during the same timeframe in 2023. This is considerably above the normal range seen for these offenses. In 2022, there were 222 stolen vehicles and 490 vehicle burglaries. For 2023, those numbers were 225 and 375 respectively. The purpose of this grant is to set up an Auto Crimes Unit within SMPD that will provide a targeted focus on thefts and vehicle burglaries. The grant will fund (1) full-time sworn officer and (10) LPR cameras. It also covers any associated training, equipment (laptop) and overtime. Other cities have utilized this grant, which can be awarded annually, for decades. This is the first application for the City of San Marcos. The grant will pay 80% of budgeted costs, requiring a 20% match from the City.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the updated resolution for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention grant.