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Spencer board authorizes pursuit of DOJ COPS hiring grant to restore a police position
Summary
Chief Fyle told the board a DOJ COPS Hiring Program grant could provide up to $125,000 over three years (25% local match). The board authorized staff to apply while noting budget timing and the need to identify match funding.
The Spencer Board of Aldermen on July 14 authorized staff to pursue a U.S. Department of Justice COPS Hiring Program grant that could fund one (or partially fund) a police position focused on community policing and crime prevention. Police Chief Fyle said the three-year grant offers up to $125,000 and requires a 25% local match.
Chief Fyle and staff discussed compensation ranges and timing: they estimated total all-in compensation for a position (salary plus benefits) between roughly $73,000 and $79,000, with Spencer's 25% share in a full year estimated between $18,000 and $20,000. Chief Fyle said the department currently has officers in the base salary range and expects to be able to recruit competitively if funding is secured.
Board members asked about possible federal involvement and reporting obligations; Chief Fyle said he did not expect federal immigration enforcement to be a condition of the grant, described prior positive experience with COPS grants, and emphasized the program's reporting requirements. He and staff noted the grant is on the federal fiscal cycle (starts Oct. 1), has a five-year draw period and is administratively intensive.
Board members unanimously approved authorization for the chief and staff to submit the grant proposal and pursue the recommendation support offered by a congressional office; members emphasized the need to identify match funding in future budgets if the grant is awarded.
