The commission approved acceptance of a U.S. Department of Justice COPS hiring grant of approximately $600,000 intended to support hiring for the Tallahassee Police Department.

City Manager explained the grant amount and role; Police Chief Lawrence Revels described the per-officer costs to the city. The chief said the initial first-year cost per officer (equipment, salary, benefits) is about $220,000, with a recurring annual cost thereafter of roughly $130,000. Chief and staff explained the grant will fund a large portion of initial costs but the city will budget for recurring costs in future years.

Commissioner Porter pulled the item for discussion and said she supports strategic investments in interventions and prevention and wants the commission to revisit prior commitments to community-based strategies. Commissioner Matliff asked for clarity on long-term budget impacts; staff provided the cost estimates. After debate the commission approved the grant acceptance 4–1, with Porter voting no.

Vote and next steps: Motion carried 4–1. Staff will accept the grant and include recurring personnel costs in future budget planning.