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Commission allocates $1,000 for police sensory kits, directs remaining funds to VetFest
Summary
The Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission voted Feb. 11 to use up to $1,000 of its annual $10,000 discretionary budget to supply sensory kits for Surprise Police patrol cars and to apply the remaining funds to the city’s VetFest event and related veteran services.
The Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission voted unanimously Feb. 11 to commit $1,000 of its 2026 discretionary funds to help the Surprise Police Department replenish sensory "blue kits" for patrol cars and to direct the balance of the commission’s annual $10,000 allocation toward VetFest planning.
Staff told commissioners the commission begins the year with $10,000 and had spent about $1,200, leaving roughly $8,800 available. "You have $10,000 to spend every year. You've spent $1,200 already, so we're at $8,800," staff said during the meeting.
Commission discussion focused on how much the kits cost and how best to use remaining money for VetFest. One commissioner noted previous work to assemble kits and estimated per‑kit costs: "The ones we initially did were give or take about $45," a commissioner said, while other staff noted a roughly $100 market price per kit when searching online.
Commissioner (speaker 7) moved to "use $1,000 of our money to make the kits for the Surprise Police Department," and the motion was seconded. Commissioners approved the motion by voice vote; the commission recorded the outcome as approved. The vote was taken by voice and not a roll-call—six commissioners were present at the start of the meeting and voted in favor.
Commissioners and staff also discussed VetFest logistics tied to the budget: staff said exhibitor forms are live and that the commission’s remaining funds would support event items such as veteran poker chips, photo‑booth options and veterans’ meal vouchers. Event staff said they expect more sponsorships and exhibitors than last year and will monitor whether additional commission funds are needed for giveaways or operations.
The commission also asked staff to follow up with Surprise Police to confirm exact kit needs and to report back on the police department’s own investment in the program. Staff agreed to compile those details before the commission sunsets in May and the successor bodies take up related funding decisions.
The motion adopted at the Feb. 11 meeting directs up to $1,000 for sensory kits and leaves the remainder of the commission’s FY2026 discretionary fund available for VetFest under staff oversight. The commission adjourned after final agenda items.
