Lexington County committees on Tuesday approved a bundle of grants for the sheriff’s office and related public‑safety programs, including a $296,574.95 award to support body‑worn camera maintenance and storage.

The sheriff’s department asked council to accept the body‑worn camera grant, offered through the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Program. A motion to accept the award passed with council approval.

County leaders also approved a separate in‑car video award of $9,132.31, another state Office of Highway Safety award for camera maintenance and storage, and federal victim‑services grants. The county accepted a Violence Against Women Act award for $133,063 (the department’s 19th year of funding). That grant requires a 25 percent in‑kind match the department will meet by budgeting funds already assigned to a domestic‑violence prosecutor; the sheriff’s office said it will make an operating transfer of $85,757 from its general fund to cover the remainder of salaries, fringes and operating costs.

Separately the county accepted a Victims of Crime Act award for $168,614 that requires a 20 percent income match. The sheriff’s office noted it will meet the match primarily with salaries already budgeted to three current employees and by documenting volunteer hours; the department will make an operating transfer of $191,539 to cover the balance of salaries, fringe and operating costs.

County council members asked for basic follow‑up information during discussion—questions ranged from program data to whether the county participates in the VINE notification network for victims. The sheriff’s representative said staff would follow up with specifics on VINE participation and other program metrics.

Votes at a glance
- Body‑worn camera grant, $296,574.95 — motion to accept; mover: Councilman Hudson; second: Councilman Cone; outcome: approved.
- In‑car video (NCAR) award, $9,132.31 — motion to accept; mover: Councilman Hudson; second: Chairman Cullum; outcome: approved.
- Violence Against Women Act award, $133,063 — motion to accept; mover: Councilman Hudson; second: Councilwoman Westinger; outcome: approved. In‑kind 25% match and operating transfer of $85,757 noted.
- Victims of Crime Act award, $168,614 — motion to accept; mover: Councilman Hudson; second: Councilwoman Westinger; outcome: approved. 20% match and an operating transfer of $191,539 noted.

Why it matters: The awards fund camera systems, victim services, and domestic‑violence staff already in place; several do not require a cash match but do require in‑kind or budgeted transfers that affect the sheriff’s operating fund.

What’s next: County staff will execute grant acceptance paperwork and return with any follow‑up detail the council requests, including confirmation of VINE participation and any additional program metrics.