Commission approves MOU to accept JAG grant for 5 Valleys Drug Task Force

Missoula County commissioners approved, on a voice vote, a consent-agenda item authorizing a memorandum of understanding tied to a Justice Assistance Grant for the 5 Valleys Drug Task Force and the Missoula County Sheriff's Office.

County staff presented the MOU as part of a JAG (Justice Assistance Grant) awarded by the Montana Board of Crime Control. The presenter said the grant funds can be used to “help combat and curb the drug issues that we have in our community,” and described the county as the applicant and pass-through for partner agencies.

The presenter said the county plans to request roughly $224,000 for the coming year to cover the current drug detective position, to add an additional drug-dedicated position, and to fund overtime for member agencies. The presenter also said the county would act as a pass-through agency for overtime expenses from other jurisdictions named in the materials, including Granite and Mineral.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the county was the applicant and whether the funding was only for overtime; staff replied that the amount covered the two positions plus overtime and confirmed the county would pass through funds to partner agencies.

A motion to approve the consent agenda was made and seconded; the chair called for a voice vote and recorded all in favor. The MOU and grant acceptance were approved as part of that consent action.

No additional details about contract terms, exact funding allocations by agency, or effective dates were provided in the meeting record.