Report Prepared by: Lance Eber, Crime Analyst, Police
Title
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Police Department to Accept and Appropriate Grant Funds in the Amount of $238,199.99 from the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program (CTFGP) to Conduct Cannabis related Checkpoints and Saturation Patrols, Attend Checkpoint Management Training, Purchase Checkpoint Supplies and Equipment, Purchase (1) One Patrol Truck and (1) One Patrol Motorcycle with Police Lighting and Emergency Equipment
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a resolution authorizing the Police Department to accept grant funds in the amount of $238,199.99 from the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program to conduct DUI Checkpoints, DUI Saturation Patrols, attend Checkpoint Management Training, purchase checkpoint supplies and equipment and waiving the competitive bid process to purchase (1) one patrol truck and (1) one patrol motorcycle with police lighting and emergency equipment.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2026-58, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Approving Accepting the Grant Award from the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program in the amount of $238,199.99.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to Staff for recommendation of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion).
4. Take no action
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety Priority - Traffic Solutions & Safety and as provided in the FY 2026/27 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced that the CTFGP was open for applications on January 7 with a deadline of February 23, 2026. The maximum award amount is $500,000. This is a 100% reimbursement grant. No match is needed. The grant period is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The police department applied by the due date in the amount of $499,999. On Friday, July 3, 2026, the CHP offered a grant award in the amount of $238,199.99.
The CTFGP funding is being provided for the education, prevention, and the enforcement of laws related to driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, including cannabis and cannabis products. In addition, the intent is to educate the public regarding the dangers of impaired driving, enforce impaired driving laws on the roadway, and improve the Merced Police Department’s effectiveness through training of staff in conducting DUI enforcement.
The Police Department is being offered grant funds to do the following:
• Conduct (2) DUI Checkpoints = $39,619.51
• Conduct (10) DUI Saturation Patrols = $30,486.48
• Purchase (1) fully outfitted patrol truck = $94,000
• Purchase (1) fully outfitted patrol motorcycle = $47,000
• Attend Checkpoint Management training = $1,624
• Purchase checkpoint supplies and equipment = $25,470
The Police Department is requesting approval to purchase the previously identified vehicles, vehicle outfitting equipment, and related supplies necessary to fulfill the requirements of the grant-funded program.
The Police Department is requesting a waiver on the competitive bid process for the
purchase of the grant-funded vehicles. Due to manufacturing lead times and vehicle availability, expediting the procurement process is necessary to ensure delivery and deployment of the vehicles within the grant period, allowing the Merced Police Department to fully utilize the awarded grant funds for their intended purpose.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Pooled cash will be used for expenses on this grant and be 100% reimbursed on a quarterly basis.
This item will require five affirmative votes approval.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2026-58 to accept grant funding
2. Grant Award Agreement
3. Vehicle Quote for Patrol Truck
4. Vehicle Quote for Patrol Motorcycle