Florence accepts $219,559.75 grant to fund fentanyl detective and vehicle

The Florence Town Council voted to accept a local border support grant through Arizona DPS for $219,559.75 to fund one full-time detective focused on fentanyl and opioid cases and to acquire a fully upfitted support vehicle.

Chief Thomas explained the grant would fund the detective position for one year and that the vehicle would remain town property after purchase. "Right now, this is year by year. So this would be a 1 year grant," Thomas said. He added staff would seek to backfill the detective’s prior duties and that the town would consider absorbing the position should state funding end.

Council members expressed unanimous support in discussion, citing local experiences with fentanyl harms and the importance of proactive enforcement and education. "If you don't think that there's a need for this... this is actually a reality," Council member Bucellato said during debate; Council member Neal described fentanyl's severe health effects and urged sustained effort.

Council moved to enter the grant agreement and accept $219,559.75; the motion carried on voice vote. Staff will proceed to execute the grant agreement and coordinate onboarding for the funded detective and vehicle acquisition.