Title
Consider and take action on a resolution in support of the application for a continuation grant from the Office of the Governor of Texas, Criminal Justice Division, to benefit the League City Police Department’s Crime Victims’ Assistance Program (Chief of Police)
Background:
If approved, this resolution will formalize City Council’s support for seeking continued grant funding for the League City Police Department’s Crime Victims’ Assistance Program. The existence of such a program is mandated by state law in accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure - Article 56A.203. This program is vital to citizens who are, or may become, victims of crime.
The Crime Victims’ Assistance Program provides services based upon the needs of individuals and families who have been victimized by crime. Services include orientation and assistance in navigating the criminal justice system, counseling, crisis intervention and psychological support, referrals to resources for emergency and financial assistance, and educating department personnel, citizens, and community service providers about crime victims’ rights in the criminal justice system.
On September 27, 2011, City Council approved a resolution in support of application for the General Victim Assistance Grant to establish a Crime Victims’ Assistance Program at the League City Police Department. The grant was approved by the State and the Department hired one full-time Crime Victims’ Advocate. The grant has been approved each renewal period since that time.
On January 11, 2022, City Council approved a resolution to renew the General Victim Assistance Grant for FY 2023.
On November 4, 2022, application for the FY 2023 General Victim Assistance Grant was approved by the State. $168,412.72 was awarded for the LCPD Crime Victims’ Assistance Program.
On January 24, 2023, City Council approved a resolution to renew the General Victim Assistance Grant for FY 2024.
On September 21, 2023, application for the FY 2024 General Victim Assistance Grant was approved by the State. $256,708.24 was awarded for the LCPD Crime Victims’ Assistance Program.
While the FY 2024 General Victim Assistance Grant application did not require matching funds from the City, the FY 2025 grant application does require a 20% match. Additionally, for FY 2025, federal VOCA funds have been reduced by 40%. As a result, for FY 2025, the State may fund as little as 60% of the total FY 2024 award, which was $256,708.24. This would equate to an FY 2025 award of $154,024.94. A 20% City match would be $38,506.24. However, the State may fund up to 80% of the FY 2024 award. In this case, the City would be awarded $205,366.59 in FY 2025. A 20% City match would be $51,341.65. In summary, the FY 2025 grant may award between $154,024.94 - $205,366.59. The City match would be between $38,506.24 - $51,341.65.
If approved, this grant will provide funding for the LCPD Crime Victims’ Assistance Program for FY 2025. This includes the salary, benefits, and administrative costs for three Crime Victims’ Advocates. The grant application is for the period from 10/01/2024 - 9/30/2025. The grant application must be completed and submitted by 2/08/2024 at 5:00 p.m. CST. This resolution is not required at the time an application is submitted, but no funding will be awarded unless the resolution is approved.
Attachments:
1. Data Sheet
2. Proposed Resolution
3. Grant Application Pre-Approval Form
4. Grant Announcement
FUNDING
{X} If approved, funding in the amount of $51,341.65 will be budgeted in Police salaries, benefits and administrative costs to cover the City’s 20% match, upon Council’s approval of the FY2025 budget.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} NOT APPLICABLE