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Polk County says grants brought in nearly $46 million since 2018; department urges more project ideas
Summary
Polk County grants and contracts staff told commissioners the department has secured $45,994,167 in outside grant funding since 2018, managed about 285 active contracts and expanded projects from eight to 73; staff urged residents and departments to propose projects for future grant pursuit.
Polk County’s Grants and Contracts office reported substantial growth in outside funding and project activity during the commissioners court meeting on Nov. 25. Jessica, who manages the county grants portfolio, told the court that since she began in 2018 the department has secured $45,994,167 in grant funds and matched that with local contributions the transcript lists at approximately $10,000,907. "For every $1 in local match Polk County has spent, we've received approximately $4.22 with outside grant funding," Jessica said, describing a strong return on investment.
Jessica said the number of grant projects has grown from eight in 2018 to 73 last year and that the office currently manages roughly 285 active contracts and enters about 50 new agreements annually. She listed major initiative areas—roads, broadband, water systems, disaster recovery, public safety, community development, historical restoration and cybersecurity—and said some projects also funded sheriff's office equipment and other departmental needs.
The grants office plans staffing changes and an administrative transition into a new contract-management system next year to improve coordination with departments and auditors. Jessica urged residents and department staff to bring ideas forward, saying: "Polk County moves Polk County moves forward when we move forward together." The court did not take a separate vote on the report; it was provided for the court's review.
