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Chief Kuchar outlines plan to fund new community officer with DOJ COPS grant
Summary
Chief Kuchar told the Charles Town finance committee the police department expects to use a federal DOJ COPS grant to offset roughly $42,000 a year toward a new community-focused officer, with staff able to request extensions if hiring delays occur and a requirement to retain the position after grant funding ends.
Chief Kuchar told the Charles Town Finance Committee that the police department is counting on a U.S. Department of Justice COPS grant to help fund an 18th officer whose duties will emphasize community outreach rather than typical enforcement.
"That grant is worth about $125,000 that is to be divided over a 3 year period," Chief Kuchar said, adding that the award was intended to be spread across three years and would offset roughly $42,000 per year of the position's cost. Laurie, the city's financial director, explained the grant is reimbursable and that the department reports quarterly to draw down funds.
The staff presentation said the grant reimburses only a portion of total compensation''"it works out to be, like, that number," Laurie said of the $42,000 annual offset'and that the actual percentage reimbursed is in the low 60s. She also advised that the city can request time extensions from the grantor when hiring vacancies delay the start of the funded position: "they will allow us to file extensions, especially when we have vacancies that we can't fill," Laurie said.
Committee members pressed on details such as when the city must file for an extension and the longer-term obligations tied to the award. Chief Kuchar said the department understands that, once the three-year grant period ends, the city is expected to maintain the position. Finance staff said the city would make the formal extension request near the grant's scheduled end date in September 2027 if needed.
The discussion also covered logistics for equipment and cars tied to other federal grants: staff said equipment ordered for new police vehicles is being held until replacement cars arrive so parts can be installed and the related grant can be closed out.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the hiring and reporting schedule tied to the grant and will file extension paperwork if vacancies prevent timely use of the funds. The committee did not take a formal vote but left staff to continue implementation and keep the committee informed.
