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Benicia council uses supplemental law enforcement fund to buy ballistic helmets, comms gear
Summary
Council approved a budget amendment to buy ballistic helmets and communications equipment from the supplemental law enforcement fund (Fund 251); the Police Chief said the fund is supported by DMV fees, typically provides $100,000–$150,000 annually and currently holds an estimated balance over $600,000.
Council discussed a budget amendment to use Fund 251 (the supplemental law enforcement fund) to buy ballistic helmets and communications devices for the police department.
Police leadership told the council the fund—sourced largely from DMV fees—typically delivers $100,000 to $150,000 per year and cannot be used for personnel costs; instead it is for unbudgeted equipment, which makes it suitable for the requested ballistic helmets (quoted at about $46,000). The chief said the current helmets do not have ballistic capability and that the requested equipment would be assigned to mobile field force officers and available for critical incidents.
Council moved and approved the amendment on the consent calendar. Councilmembers also asked clarifying questions about allowable uses of Fund 251 and whether the purchases would relieve general‑fund pressure for future equipment needs.
