REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MINDY CASTO, Interim Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: BURKE FARRAH, Deputy Chief
Administrative Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program:
1. Authorize the Chief of Police to accept $416,847 in total grant funding for the 2023 JAG Program from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance for the City and County of Fresno
2. Authorize the Chief of Police to execute all related documents for the acceptance, modification, extension and administration of 2023 JAG Program
3. Authorize the Chief of Police to execute an agreement between the City of Fresno and the County of Fresno regarding the 2023 JAG Program
4. ***RESOLUTION - Adopt the 3rd Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2024-122 appropriating $338,500 for the Police Department’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant Program (Requires 5 Affirmative Votes) (Subject to Mayor’s veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council authorize the Chief of Police to accept $416,847 in total grant funding for the 2023 JAG Program for the City and County of Fresno; authorize the Chief of Police to sign all applicable and related documents for the acceptance, modification, extension and administration of 2023 JAG Program; authorize the Chief of Police to enter into a related agreement between the City and County of Fresno and adopt the 3rd Amendment to AAR No. 2024-122 to appropriate $338,500 in funding to the FY 25 budget. The remaining funds will be utilized over the three-year performance period of the grant.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This agreement is the result of an award for the joint application of the City of Fresno and the County of Fresno, with City of Fresno acting as the fiscal agent, to administer the 2023 JAG Program funding. The City of Fresno’s allocation is $313,523 and the remaining allocation of $103,324 is for the County of Fresno, for a total grant allocation of $416,847. The agreement between the City and County of Fresno is required by the U.S. Department of Justice and is a condition for this funding.
BACKGROUND
The JAG award formula is a minimum base allocation with the remaining amount determined on population, Part 1 violent crime statistics, and a direct allocation to units of local government. The City of Fresno agrees to act as the fiscal agent for the JAG formula funding in the county. The joint application specified the award amount for distribution to each unit of local government.
The 2023 JAG Program has allocated $416,847 for the Fresno County area. Based on the grant guidelines formula, the City of Fresno will receive $313,523, and the County of Fresno will receive $103,324. These funds will assist in the acquisition of equipment, operational needs and supplies, and essential support services for each agency in accordance with grant guidelines outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.
The proposed spending plan required during the application process is based on priority needs that are not included in the FY 2025 budget. The proposed items will allow the Fresno Police Department to maintain control and reduce crime through the acquisition of necessary tactical equipment, officer safety equipment, and special unit operational needs. JAG funds are requested to provide for priority needs such as Skywatch operations and maintenance, ammunition, safety equipment for special units, including but not limited to K-9, SWAT, and Traffic. These costs are essential to the department and will not be met through local general funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a “project” for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because this does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund and there is no match requirement under this grant program, however if unfunded, these essential tools and necessary equipment would have to come from the general fund, creating a negative fiscal impact. All funds are received in advance and deposited into an interest-bearing account. All interest earned is to be used to support the same objectives of the grant’s approved spending plan.
Attachments:
Grant Award
3rd Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2024-122
Agreement with The County of Fresno