Report Prepared by: Kalvin Haygood, Lieutenant, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept and Appropriate $14,344 in Grant Funds From the FY2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department to Purchase Three (3) Helicopter Helmets
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers acceptance of grant funding from the FY2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) for the Merced Police Department in the amount of $14,344.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting FY 2023 SHSGP grant funds in the amount of $14,344; and,
B. Approving increase in revenue in the amount of $14,344 in Fund 1000-General Fund (Police Division) and appropriating the same to purchase three (3) helicopter helmets; and,
C. Authorizing the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to staff for recommendation of specific items
AUTHORITY
City of Merced Charter Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety as provided for in the FY2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Merced Police Department has partnered with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office to assist with tactical flight operations utilizing the Sheriff's newly purchased helicopter. As part of this collaboration, a Merced Police Department Tactical Flight Officer is deployed aboard the aircraft to support critical operations. In order to effectively communicate with the helicopter pilot, dispatch, officers on the ground, and to make or receive phone calls while in flight, the Tactical Flight Officer requires noise-cancelling helicopter helmets equipped with integrated communication capabilities.
The Merced County Office of Emergency Services (OES) has awarded funds through the FY2023 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP). The scope of the grant includes funding for emergency management equipment, Incident Command System training, law enforcement equipment, fire department equipment, and health department equipment. Within the parameters and requirements of the grant program, the FY 2023 Office of Emergencies State Homeland Security Grant Programs - Equipment, Planning, Administration, Training and Exercises Agreement and the FY 2023 Grant Assurances Agreement has been approved by City Council on 5/20/24.
July 11, 2025, the City of Merced Police Department was awarded $14,344 of FY2023 SHSGP funds to purchase three (3) helicopter helmets by the Merced Big 5 Committee to the individual agencies and jurisdictions within the County.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Staff is requesting the City Council accept FY2023 State Homeland Security Grant (SHSGP) in the amount of $14,344 and appropriate the same in Fund 1000-General Fund to purchase helicopter helmets. This would also require the use of pooled cash until the reimbursement is received.
This item requires 5 affirmative votes for City Council approval.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Tiger Performance Invoice and Sole Source Letter
2. Resolution No. 2024-54-FY2023 SHSGP Grant