Consent Calendar Item 3m
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
DATE: December 18, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Casey J. Day, Chief of Police
THROUGH: Merritt Perry, City Manager
SUBJECT: Accept and Approve the FY 2023 COPS Grant
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Staff to Accept the FY 2023 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant.
BACKGROUND:
On November 2nd 2023, the City of Fortuna was successful in obtaining the U.S. Department of Justice, COPS Hiring Grant, in the amount of $125,000.00. The purpose of the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) is to advance the practice of community policing through the hire or rehire of additional career law enforcement officers.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The grant award cycle is approximately five (5) years. Utilization of the grant is restricted to sworn police officer positions only and is designed to assist police organizations by partially funding the position over the course of three (3) years. The grant is also designed so that more grant money is used during the first year and less in the third year as funds taper off and the City’s funding responsibility increases. Upon completion of the third year, the City is responsible for fully funding the position created for a minimum of 12 months. In addition, the grant must be used for a new position. The COPS grant may not be supplanted.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the City’s budget for the current fiscal year as the City does not plan to add a new sworn position and be able to fill it in the current fiscal year. If this changes staff will bring forward an SBR at that time. Currently, staff plans to study best uses for these funds and consider possible City matching funds as part of the fiscal year 2024-25 budget process.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Accept the FY 2023 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant.