AGENDA #4k
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Acceptance of 2005 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant
DATE: September 26, 2005
The attached resolution would authorize the acceptance of a 2005 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant from the United States Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs in the amount of $40,577 to be shared with Orange County and the Town of Carrboro. The attached budget ordinance would amend the Grant Fund budget to account for this grant.
BACKGROUND
In February 2005, the Office of Justice Assistance announced the availability of funds to state and local units of government through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). This program allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and to improve the criminal justice system. The funding distribution is based on population, reported crime, and law enforcement expenditure data.
DISCUSSION
In the past, the Office of Justice Programs has funded Local Law Enforcement Block Grants to control crime and increase public safety through community oriented policing. This year funds have been appropriated through the Byrne Grant Program to support a range of law enforcement programs. If the grant is accepted, funds in the amount of $40,577 would be received by the Town of Chapel Hill and designated portions disbursed to Orange County and the Town of Carrboro. A Memorandum of Agreement has been established and authorized by each municipality and the county. Funds are available to the Town immediately upon acceptance of the grant. There is no match required.
The Town of Chapel Hill would receive $24,347 as its share of the funding. The funds would be used to improve the police department’s ability to view video evidence created by financial, banking and other commercial institutions. Additionally, technology used to collect evidence and to investigate violent criminals would be enhanced.
The Town of Carrboro and Orange County would each receive $8,110 to place Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) into patrol vehicles and to augment overtime budgets respectively.
The Town must meet two requirements before the funds can be obligated.
1) The Town must make public notice of the application and offer a period to receive public comment. That notice was made on May 16, 2005 with written comments accepted until June 16, 2005.
2) The Town must accept the grant by returning a signed acceptance form to the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Office of Justice Assistance 2005 Byrne Grant, and enact the attached budget ordinance establishing a 2005 Byrne Grant project.
ATTACHMENTS
- Memorandum of Agreement (p. 5).
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE OFFICE OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE 2005 BYRNE GRANT (2005-09-26/R-11)
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Justice Assistance has made funds available to enhance the quality of law enforcement services provided to local communities; and
WHEREAS, the 2005 Byrne Grant application in the amount of $40,577 was approved by the Bureau of Justice Assistance; and
WHEREAS, the grant funds would be shared by the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and Orange County in the amounts of $24,347, $8,110 and $8,110 respectively; and
WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Agreement and been established and authorized for the disbursement of funds between the aforementioned jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, the funds would be used to improve the police department’s capability for tactical and surveillance efforts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Manager to accept the Office of Justice Assistance 2005 Byrne Grant and to make all necessary assurances.
This the 26th day of September, 2005.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND “THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING APPROPRIATIONS AND THE RAISING OF REVENUE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2005” (2005-09-26/O-5)
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Budget Ordinance entitled “An Ordinance Concerning Appropriations and the Raising of Revenue for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2005” as duly adopted on June 27, 2005 and the same is hereby amended as follows:
This the 26th day of September, 2005.