Committee approves use of crime-control funds for Prairie View police station

A committee overseeing Prairie View crime-control funds voted to allocate those accumulated dollars toward construction of a new Prairie View Police Station, a committee member moved and the motion passed in a roll-call vote.

Carla, the committee's attorney, told members she reviewed Chapter 363 of the Texas Government Code and said using district crime-control funds for a police building is an appropriate expenditure under that statute. "It looks like there's a motion on the floor that's been properly seconded, and I look forward to y'all moving forward," Carla said.

The motion to transfer crime-control (crime patrol) dollars to the new facility was made by a committee member and seconded by Unique Liggins. A roll-call vote followed and the chair declared the motion passed.

Committee members and staff said the district has not spent crime-control money for the past two years and that the balance has accumulated. A staff member said crime-control receipts come from sales taxes and that the funds "roll year to year," meaning there is no statutory deadline requiring expenditure by a specific date.

Members agreed to schedule a town-hall meeting to inform the public of the decision; the committee was told the town-hall must be published at least 10 days before it takes place. Staff said they would schedule the town hall and prepare a public-oriented presentation; the committee also discussed seeking additional presenters to outline funding options because the district funds will not cover the full cost of construction. A staff member said the committee intends to approach Prosperity Bank to request financing for the balance.

Detective Mendiola, present by phone, offered to answer technical questions about building design and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement standards. The committee closed the meeting after agreeing on next steps and scheduling public outreach.

Next steps: staff will schedule the town-hall notice at least 10 days in advance, prepare public-facing presentations on options to fund the remaining construction costs, and pursue bank financing as discussed.