Board approves sheriff’s request to apply for Byrne JAG grant after amending local-match item

The Northumberland County Board of Supervisors on March 27 authorized Sheriff Beecham to apply for a Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to buy traffic-enforcement equipment, including a solar-powered speed trailer, handheld laser speed device and new radar units, while amending the motion to exclude a proposed $3,000 local-match transfer from the sheriff’s gun-permit fee account.

Sheriff Beecham told the board the requested equipment list included an ATS towable speed/message trailer, a ProLaser handheld speed device, and six radar units; he said the grant is competitive, runs in fiscal year 2026 (July 1–Dec. 31) and gives priority to applicants that can expend funds by September. He said total equipment cost would be $37,009.86 and that the grant has a 25% local-match requirement.

Beaucham initially proposed applying $3,000 from a local weapon-permit-fee account toward the local match, which would have reduced the county’s requested supplemental funding if the grant is awarded. During discussion, supervisors amended the motion to remove that $3,000 contribution; the amendment moved the full local-match amount onto the county’s responsibility should the board approve an award later.

County staff clarified the grant is a reimbursement award: the county would purchase equipment up front and be reimbursed by the grant program. The board also discussed equipment capabilities (photo capture is possible on some units but current small sign images are too grainy for evidence use) and calibration requirements for radar evidence in court.

The board approved authorization for the sheriff to submit the application; if the county receives an award, the board will be asked to approve any supplemental appropriation. The chair and staff said grant-award notifications can be expected in May.