Commissioner raises concerns over significant changes to police hiring grant agenda

Concerns over a significant change in a police hiring grant dominated the Montgomery County Commission Information Meeting on July 8, 2025. Commissioner Jim Sankey raised alarms about alterations to the grant that were not discussed in previous meetings, particularly highlighting a substantial increase in the county's financial match for hiring additional deputies.

Sankey expressed his worry that the changes were so drastic they warranted a fresh discussion and should have been added to the agenda for the June 24 meeting. He noted that the grant's stipulations had shifted, with the maximum allowable funding per deputy per quarter now capped at $125,000, leading to a recalculated annual increase of approximately 53% per deputy. "It seemed to be a totally different item," Sankey stated, emphasizing the need for transparency and thorough discussion on such critical funding matters.

The meeting also revealed that the county is utilizing consultants for grant administration, a role currently unfilled due to a vacancy. This decision aims to ensure that the county continues to pursue essential grants effectively, despite the administrative challenges.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners took a brief recess, but the implications of the grant discussions lingered, highlighting the importance of clear communication and oversight in county funding decisions. The commission's next steps regarding the grant remain to be seen, as they navigate these significant changes.