Kendall County accepts multiple public‑safety grants, approves vehicle security grant application

BOERNE — Commissioners on Wednesday authorized staff to apply for a governor’s Office grants program that would outfit county law‑enforcement vehicles with bullet‑resistant window film and door panels.

The grant request seeks $335,656.87 to outfit 36 patrol vehicles; county staff noted there is no local match. A county presenter said the equipment would provide extra protection for officers during routine stops and high‑risk incidents. "This is to outfit 36 vehicles with bulletproof glass and panels for a total grant of $335,656.87, and there is no match on this grant," the presenter said. The county judge moved to adopt the resolution, a commissioner seconded, and the court approved the application 5‑0.

Commissioner concerns: Several commissioners acknowledged the officer‑safety benefits but asked about fleet‑replacement costs and whether adding $9,300 per vehicle in equipment would be sustainable over time. One commissioner urged the county to revisit a prior pilot program that refurbishes older vehicles to extend service life.

Victim‑services grant awards: The court also accepted a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) formula award ($120,112.25) that carries a required county match ($53,619.50) and a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) formula award ($132,925) with a county match requirement ($33,231.25). Staff clarified that accepting the awards makes the county eligible to claim up to those amounts; claims and spending will follow normal claims procedures and Commissioner's Court approval.

What’s next: Staff will submit the application to the governor’s office and proceed with grant acceptance paperwork for the VAWA and VOCA awards; any future spending will be subject to claims and budget authority.