Bexley introduces $650,000 federal synagogue security fund to pilot full‑time officer

BEXLEY, Ohio — At its Feb. 10 meeting, the Bexley City Council heard a first reading of an ordinance to establish a Federal Synagogue Security Grant Fund (Fund 82) and to appropriate $650,000 to support a synagogue security program.

The police chief described the package as an opportunity to provide a dedicated, full‑time commissioned officer for Bexley synagogues, supplemented by increased patrol visibility and technology. The chief said the grant would cover personnel, equipment and related technology "and we are projecting that this funding would last until the end of 2027," giving staff time to work with Jewish Columbus on longer‑term arrangements.

Officials said the funding comes through a Department of Justice program and will be administered under strict reporting and reimbursement rules. As the chief explained, "This is from the Department of Justice. Very, very strict requirements ... and then being able to show exactly what we're doing from the services, those auxiliary officers to the equipment that we're gonna use." Council members asked whether synagogues would continue to contribute financially and whether the program would expand beyond Bexley; the chief described the ordinance as a pilot focused on Bexley synagogues and said partners might repurpose existing security funds toward the pilot in future planning.

Why it matters: staff framed the measure as a response to rising antisemitic incidents locally and nationally and described the pilot as potentially a replicable model for other communities. Council did not adopt the ordinance at first reading; staff noted they will refine ordinance language and financial mechanics before subsequent readings.

Next steps: council scheduled further review; staff emphasized the grant’s reimbursement structure (the city must expend first and then seek DOJ reimbursement) and said they would continue coordination with Jewish Columbus and synagogue leaders before the next reading.

Sources: Bexley City Council meeting, Feb. 10, 2026 (chief’s presentation and council Q&A).