Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the Police Department to submit a grant application to the State of Texas Office of the Governor’s FY2027 Peace Officer Mental Health Program to seek funding for gym equipment that supports officer mental health and wellness, incorporating physical fitness and resilience as a core pillar to promote stress management and overall readiness (Chief of Police)
Background:
Approval of this item will support law enforcement officers who routinely face high levels of stress, critical incidents, and demanding work schedules that can negatively affect mental health, job performance, and long-term well-being. Providing a positive pathway to decompress while improving overall physical fitness is essential to supporting officer wellness. A comprehensive approach to officer mental health must address both psychological and physical factors. Physical resilience is widely recognized as a foundational pillar of mental health, as regular physical activity helps reduce stress, improve sleep quality, enhance mood, and strengthen an individual’s ability to cope with occupational challenges. Providing access to appropriate fitness equipment supports officers in maintaining overall wellness and operational readiness in a high-stress profession.
The requested gym equipment would allow the Police Department to strengthen its mental health and wellness program by incorporating structured physical fitness and resilience into daily operations. Access to on-site fitness equipment enables officers to engage in regular exercise regardless of shift schedules, reducing barriers to participation and encouraging consistent use. This investment supports stress management, injury prevention, and improved job performance while reinforcing the City’s commitment to officer wellness, retention, and community safety. By addressing physical resilience as a core pillar of mental health, the City can proactively support officers’ ability to manage stress, remain operationally ready, and serve the community effectively. If approved, grant funding would be used to purchase a range of fitness equipment, including strength training equipment, cardiovascular equipment, and functional fitness equipment designed to incorporate job-task-related movements that support the physical demands of public safety work. The equipment is intended for use in the Department’s proposed Multi-Use Training Facility; however, if the facility does not receive final approval, the equipment would instead be used to upgrade existing gym equipment and fitness areas, further aligning the Department’s facilities with its commitment to officer mental and physical health.
This funding opportunity is a State grant requiring a zero-dollar City match. However, grant requirements mandate that the City initially fund the approved purchases and subsequently seek reimbursement from the State. Staff is requesting authorization for an amount not to exceed $500,000 to ensure compliance with the grant timeline. While the anticipated project cost is expected to be significantly lower, estimated in the range of $150,000 to $200,000, the grant application process now requires governing body approval prior to the City’s ability to fully develop and submit an itemized purchasing proposal. This grant has a very small window for submission and this is the only Council meeting in which the approval can take place prior to submission. Establishing a higher authorization cap is necessary to avoid delays in the grant process and to ensure the City is not excluded from grant submission due to timing constraints.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Copy of grant opportunity
3. Grant application pre-approval form
CONTRACT ORIGINATION:
FUNDING
{x} If approved, anticipated expenses will be included in the FY2027 budget, along with grant reimbursements projected as revenue in FY2027.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{x} NOT APPLICABLE