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Board backs letter of support for DOJ TOPS grant to fund additional officer, staff warns local match required
Summary
City staff told the Board of Works they will submit a DOJ TOPS grant application to fund an additional police officer; the grant covers about 75% of wages and benefits but is capped at $125,000, meaning the city would need to commit local funds unless a waiver is granted.
City staff said they will include a letter of support with an application to the U.S. Department of Justice TOPS program to fund an additional police officer, and they asked the board to endorse that letter so it can be submitted with the application.
"I thought it was it covered a 100% for 3 years. It actually covers 75% of wages and benefits," said the staff member summarizing the grant's terms. Staff explained the award is capped at $125,000 and the full three‑year cost of the position is about $211,000, which would require a local contribution or a successful waiver request. "We're gonna you can request a waiver, and we're gonna do that," the staff member added.
Board discussion emphasized the need to present the financial commitment to the city council. The staff member said the council will need to decide whether the city should continue with the grant if the waiver is not granted. One committee member urged pursuing the grant even without a waiver, calling the officer need "a good step forward for the city," while others asked for a clear table showing year‑by‑year costs and the city's share after grant reductions.
The board agreed to include letters of support from local partners with the application and recorded endorsement in the minutes so staff can proceed before the application deadline.
Next steps: staff will seek any needed authorization from the city council before finalizing commitments tied to the grant application.
