Commission approves police policy subscription payment pending legal review; funding to come from forfeiture account

Rio Grande City commissioners on May 20 approved staff to pursue a policy‑management subscription for the police department and authorized a similar subscription for the fire department subject to legal review.

Police Chief Jose Solis told commissioners the service would modernize and centrally maintain the department’s policies and dispatch regular training prompts and short scenario quizzes to employees. Chief Solis said the vendor quoted an initial, up‑front cost of $22,311 and an annual renewal price of $16,082.10; he recommended the initial payment be funded from the city’s forfeiture account because the cost was not in the current year’s operating budget.

City legal staff recommended the commission approve the contract subject to a legal review that would, among other things, add a cap on any year‑to‑year fee increases and clarify termination language. The commission approved the request with that condition.

Chief Solis also presented a subscription option for the fire department; the commission approved pursuing that subscription as well and instructed legal review before final execution. Commissioners said they want the vendor arrangement to include clear training and verification that employees have reviewed required policy updates.

No final long‑term contract was signed at the meeting; city staff will return final contract language for legal approval and confirm funding sources before executing the agreements.