Report Prepared by: Lance Eber, Crime Analyst, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Police Department to Apply for Grant Funds from the California Office of Traffic Safety to Conduct DUI Checkpoints, DUI Saturation Patrols, Traffic Safety Enforcement, Distracted Driving Enforcement, Motorcycle Enforcement, Pedestrian/Bicycle Enforcement, Street Racing Enforcement, and to Conduct Educational Presentations, Along with Funds for Attending Training and Funds for Checkpoint Equipment and Supplies as Part of the California Office of Traffic Safety Traffic Enforcement Program Grant
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a resolution authorizing the Police Department to apply for grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety from the Traffic Enforcement Program Grant to conduct DUI Checkpoints, DUI Saturation Patrols, Traffic Safety Enforcement, Distracted Driving Enforcement, Motorcycle Enforcement, Pedestrian/Bicycle Enforcement, Street Racing and Sideshow Enforcement, Educational Presentations; and, to purchase checkpoint supplies, and to attend training related to alcohol enforcement.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-06, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California requesting approval to Apply for the California Office of Traffic Safety’s (OTS) Traffic Enforcement Grant Program; and,
If Awarded,
B. Accepting up to $427,500 from the California Office of Traffic Safety Traffic Enforcement Program Grant; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the OTS Grant Award and other necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to Staff for reconsideration of specific items.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Merced Police Department (MPD) first received this same grant funding beginning in October 2007. MPD has applied for and been awarded grant funding each year since then.
Description
Grant applications are due January 31st, 2026.
The grant provides funding under OTS’s Traffic Enforcement Program Grant. The grant’s mission is to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes and other primary collision factors. The funded strategies include conducting DUI checkpoints and DUI patrols. Other operations include targeted patrols for traffic safety, motorcycle safety, pedestrian/bicycle safety, distracted driving, street racing and sideshow enforcement, and educational presentations. These operations are designed to earn media attention with press releases thus enhancing the overall deterrent effect for drinking and driving and obeying traffic laws. All operations are conducted on overtime status.
Additionally, the funds from this grant will assist in covering travel expenses related to training on DUI enforcement and equipment and supplies related to conducting enforcement operations.
Last year’s 2025/26 grant award includes:
Personnel & Benefits = $90,127
Travel (in state only) = $2,466
Supplies = $2,407
TOTAL REQUEST = $95,000
Match Amount = $-0-
Our application for the 2026/27 grant year will be similar considering OT pay increases for personnel that goes into effect July 1, 2026:
Personnel & Benefits = $125,000
Travel (in state only) = $ 2,500
Supplies = $300,000
TOTAL REQUEST = $427,500
Match Amount = $-0-
This grant does not require a match of any type (in-kind or cash). It is a 100% reimbursement grant. Funds are first expended by the MPD and then requests for reimbursement are submitted on a quarterly basis. The grant program period will be October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
The grant agreement is e-signed using Adobe Acrobat.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Staff is requesting that Council approve applying for the grant up to $427,500 and accepting the grant award, if awarded. Without grant funding the operations described in this grant would not get accomplished.
No budget adjustment will be needed as the grant revenue and offsetting contingency amounts will be included in the FY26-27 adopted budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2026-06 to Apply for the Grant