Cibolo council authorizes submission of multiple public-safety grant applications

Cibolo — On Jan. 27 the City Council authorized submission of six grant applications to the Office of the Governor for a range of public-safety programs and equipment.

Chief Andreas and staff presented the package and told council members that the items are applications only and that the state requires council approval prior to submittal. "All of them are just application to submit," Chief Andreas said, and staff stood ready to answer specific questions about match requirements. For the victim assistance grant and the body-worn camera project staff noted a 20% local match requirement; Chief Andreas said the victim assistance grant covers reimbursable expenses such as medical costs, counseling, advocacy and temporary housing for victims.

Council members discussed match levels and asked staff to identify which grants would require matches and what level of local commitment would be necessary if awarded. The council moved and seconded approval on each resolution and proceeded through the series of motions for items 10A through 10F during the meeting.

Staff emphasized that awards and exact match obligations will be known only after the state issues the grant awards. City attorneys clarified procedural requirements that led to the bundle of applications being presented for individual council approval.