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Ottumwa council accepts $22,034 JAG award, splits funds with county
Summary
The Ottumwa City Council accepted a $22,034 2025 Justice Assistance Grant and authorized online submission and signatures; the city will keep 85% ($18,728) and allocate 15% ($3,306) to Wapello County, with purchases including interview-room recording systems and entry tools.
The Ottumwa City Council voted to accept a 2025 Local Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) award of $22,034 and authorized the mayor, city administrator and police chief to sign related documents.
Lieutenant Hux told the council the JAG allocation is $22,034 and said federal rules require the funds supplement — not supplant — existing department budgets. Hux said the Bureau of Justice Assistance requires discussion with the county sheriff because the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office is a disparate agency under JAG rules; the recommended split is 15% to the county ($3,306) and 85% to the Ottumwa Police Department ($18,728). The police department’s proposed expenditures included four interview/interrogation room audio–video systems ($12,000), two entry/ram breacher kits ($2,228) and cases of duty ammunition (9mm and .223) totaling approximately $4,500.
Council opened the public hearing and invited comment; no members of the public asked to speak. After closing the hearing, Council member DuPray moved to accept the grant and authorize online submission and signature authority; the motion passed on roll call (DuPray yes; Caviness yes; Reed yes; Galloway yes; Hoffman yes).
The agreement does not require a local match and carries federal restrictions on use. Lieutenant Hux noted the department’s JAG allocation is determined by violent-crime reports submitted to federal databases and that each agency (city police and the county sheriff) will decide how to spend its portion.
Next steps: staff will proceed with online grant submission and procurement for the items listed in the police department’s proposed budget.
