Westland council approves Lexipol subscription for grant services at $14,250 per year

The Westland City Council voted to approve a two‑year master services agreement with Lexipol to provide subscription access and a limited number of grant‑writing services for city departments.

Contract terms and services: City staff said the subscription includes unlimited access to Lexipol’s grant database and tools, three grants per year that Lexipol will write under the base contract, and six grants per year that Lexipol will proofread or coach the city on. Additional grant writing beyond the contracted three per year would require separate negotiation and additional fees. The council recorded the contract cost as $14,250 per contracted year.

Staff rationale and use: Police staff said they plan to use Lexipol as an initial training and ramp‑up tool after a prior consultant ceased services. Police and fire departments expect to use the subscription for high‑dollar public safety grants (for example, portable radios) while the city’s internal team will continue to manage existing grants and reporting. Deputy Chief Wilkie and Lieutenant Sleep described establishing a small internal grant team to work with the Lexipol subscription and to reduce the time burden on frontline personnel.

Council questions and concerns: Councilmembers asked whether Lexipol is paid by percentage of awards (it is not), how many grants the city is awarded annually (varies by department), whether internal staff capacity would be taxed by grant work, and the cost to add additional written grants beyond the three contracted. City staff said the contract is intended to augment internal capacity and that the city can reevaluate after a year.

Outcome: Motion carried (no dissent); contract approved and will commence immediately for a two‑year term at $14,250 per year.