Jackson City’s council voted on Nov. 25 to approve three budget amendments affecting grant pass‑throughs and police equipment.

The council recognized and appropriated $1.5 million from a Tennessee Economic and Community Development Fast Track grant that staff described as a pass‑through handled by the Industrial Development Board. “This is just an absolute pass through for the city,” said Speaker 4 (Nate), noting the city wired funds within three days as the grant required. Members asked about total grant size and reporting responsibilities; staff said the city’s role is limited to receipt and disbursement and the IDB handles grant metrics.

Separately, the council recognized and appropriated $1.5 million from the Office of Criminal Justice Programs’ Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF). Speaker 4 said the award letter is in the packet but the signed grant contract is pending and will define allowable uses. As described in the meeting, proposed uses discussed by members include tasers, body cameras, camera trailers and aviation upgrades. Councilmember Speaker 3 moved to approve the amendment on the condition that police present intended spending prior to second reading; the motion carried by voice vote.

The council also approved budget amendment No. 46, reallocating $89,396.09 to cover upfitting of police patrol vehicles. Speaker 4 said the reallocation is budget neutral for now, funded by moving amounts between capital items, and that the upfit invoices may be reimbursed from a planned bond issuance when issued. Members noted invoices dated Nov. 30 and discussed timing of delivery and reimbursement.

All three motions passed by voice vote; individual tallies were not recorded in the transcript. Staff indicated additional budget amendments could follow after internal review of health and benefit lines and other one‑time charges, including an insurance payment to Public Entity Partners that affected the month’s expense ratio.

Next steps: staff will provide the police department’s spending plan for the VCIF award before second reading and return on any follow‑up budget amendments recommended after expense and benefit line reviews.