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Hamilton County OKs sheriff's application for $3 million federal grant after heated public comment
Summary
The commission voted to authorize the sheriff's office to apply for a $3 million Bureau of Justice Assistance discretionary grant for capital outlay; the decision followed prolonged public comment linking sheriff funding to immigration enforcement and calls for transparency about grant timing.
The Hamilton County Commission voted July 26 to authorize the sheriff's office to apply for a $3 million Bureau of Justice Assistance discretionary grant and to amend the Sheriff's Office capital outlay budget if awarded (Resolution 7-26-21). The measure passed on roll call after more than an hour of public comment and questions from commissioners.
The sheriff's office said the funds would be used to replace aging radios for officers and deputies. "This grant is actually, it's, purported as a grant through the state, but it's really state appropriation money to replace aging radios that are for all the officers and deputies," Ron Bernard said when asked by commissioners to summarize the purpose.
Several public speakers raised concerns that bolstering sheriff funding ties the county to federal immigration enforcement and cited local transfers to ICE. "I really expect commissioners who are hired through our vote to represent our best interest... $3,000,000. What is this being used for? Why are we not talking about that?" Jessica Bonham, who identified herself as a resident of District 4, told the commission.
Another commenter said the county's decisions "are funding the sheriff's department, which is part of a 287(g) contract," and described community trauma from immigration enforcement. Viviana Ramos said, "My community is being kidnapped. My families are being separated. Members of the community have been meeting... and people will show out to vote because Chattanooga is tired of this."
Commissioners pressed the sheriff's office to clarify whether the grant required a local match; department staff and commissioners said no match was required. Commissioners also noted that the item had been discussed in prior agenda sessions and that the department had provided details previously. Several commissioners, including Shipley and Mackey, defended the sheriff's office and said they had not seen evidence of the abuses cited by speakers.
After public comment and commissioner questions, the commission approved the resolution on a roll-call vote. The Sheriff's Office will proceed with the application and, if the grant is awarded, will amend the capital outlay budget according to the resolution.
