Report Prepared by: Lance Eber, Crime Analyst, Police
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Accept the Department of Justice 2021 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant in the Amount of $11,931.84 to Cover 50% of the Purchase Cost of New Vests and Authorization to Utilize the Use of Pooled Cash to Cover the Purchase Cost Which will be Reimbursed from the Grant Proceeds
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept grant award for reimbursement of bulletproof vest expenses.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting and increasing the revenue budget in the amount of $11,932 in account 061-1026-324-37-00 and appropriating the same amount in grant funds to account 061-1026-522.29-00 for 50% of the costs associated with the purchase of bulletproof vests; and,
B. Authorizing the use of pooled cash to cover the appropriation until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
C. Authorizing the Police Department and the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
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).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2021-22 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
In March 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) announced that the Fiscal Year 2021 Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program application period was open. The BVP covers 50% of the costs of purchasing new bulletproof vests for the officers. The City of Merced Police Department (MPD) submitted an application in May 2021.
The BJA notified the MPD via email on Thursday, October 14, 2021 that our application for grant funding was approved in the amount of 11,931.84. There are no agreements/contracts that need to be signed. Grant funds are added to the remaining balance available in our account at BJA from previous years’ grant balances. The MPD budget accounts for regular replacement of vests as part of its annual budget and will absorb the upfront cost 100%. This is a reimbursement program, so funds will be expended up front and reimbursement requests are submitted by the MPD to BJA as expenses are incurred throughout the grant period. Staff estimate that approximately 24 vests will be purchased as a result of this award
The MPD has received funding from BJA for the BVP program for many consecutive years. City Council has approved accepting the grant funding each of those years.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Each vest carries an upfront cost of approximately $994 (depending on model). The city is required to provide bullet proof vests to all police officers whether grant funding is available or not. This BVP grant will help offset 50% of the cost of bullet proof vests purchased by City.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Award Notification Email