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Council accepts and appropriates DRA grant for police radios, vehicle computers and Taser equipment
Summary
Council members approved accepting and appropriating approximately $73,000 in grant funding to purchase police radios, vehicle computers and Tasers; the council also authorized a waiver of competitive bidding consistent with state code language cited in the packet.
The Helena-West Helena City Council voted to accept and appropriate grant funds (not general-fund revenue) for police equipment purchases, including radios, vehicle computers and Tasers.
Staff said the competitive-bid waiver and appropriation relate to a grant from the DRA (documented in the packet) and that the total grant amount is about $73,000. The packet contained a resolution authorizing purchases and an initial line-item for $59,975.91; staff noted a separate invoice for Tasers of $13,007.47 would bring spending to approximately $73,000.
Council discussion reiterated that the funds are grant monies (not general-fund dollars) and therefore must be appropriated before spending. The clerk and chief asked the council to accept the grant and appropriate the full amount; the council passed the appropriation and the resolution language (including the competitive-bid waiver language) on roll call.
Why it matters: appropriation authorizes the police department to spend grant funds for equipment that, per staff, will improve vehicle communications and officer equipment. The transcript records council approval and instructions to add the appropriate language and amounts to the resolution.
