Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution authorizing the submission of an application to, and acceptance of grant funding from, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles’ Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (TxDMV Authority) to continue the Austin Police Auto Burglary and Theft Interdiction Project. Fiscal impact: Funding in the amount of $1,496,234.90 is available from the TxDMV Authority. A City match of $347,394.50 is required and will be met by accounting for the base salary and fringe benefits of existing City positions assigned in part to the project.
De
Lead Department
Austin Police
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $1,496,234.90 is available from the TxDMV Authority for the project period of September 1, 2026 -August 31, 2027. A City match of $347,394.50 is required and will be met by accounting for the base salary and fringe benefits of existing City positions assigned in part to the project.
Prior Council Action:
April 10, 2025 - Council approved Ordinance No. 20250410-019 to accept and appropriate grant funding from the TxDMV Authority to continue the Austin Police Auto Burglary and Theft Interdiction Project.
September 26, 2024 - Council approved Ordinance No. 20240926-058 to accept and appropriate grant funding from the TxDMV Authority to implement the Austin Police Department Auto Burglary and Theft Interdiction Project.
For More Information:
Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department (512) 974-6644.
Additional Backup Information:
The Office of the City Manager reviewed this grant for alignment as directed by Resolution No. 20200611-096 and recommends approval.
The purpose of this grant is to continue the Austin Police (APD) Auto Burglary and Theft Interdiction Project. The project will focus on reducing the rate of auto theft and burglary of vehicles in the City through enforcement, outreach, training and equipment deployment.
This action will provide the resolution required by the TxDMV Authority to complete the award process related to $1,496,234.90 in grant funding. The project period is September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2027. A City match of $347,394.50 is required and will be met by accounting for the base salary and fringe benefits of existing City positions assigned in part to the project.
Grant funds will assist in covering personnel and fringe benefit costs for existing positions, consisting of three detectives, one full-time crime analyst, one full-time administrative specialist, one full-time neighborhood liaison, and one full-time investigative support specialist. Overtime costs are also built in for those positions, as well for one sergeant and seven additional detectives. The funds will also assist in covering training, equipment supplies, and a contract (for equipment maintenance) for the purpose of combatting economic motor vehicle theft, including, but not limited to, theft of catalytic converters attached to motor vehicles, burglary of motor vehicles, and fraud-related motor vehicle crime.
The grantor requires a resolution approved by the governing body that addresses items 1-5 below:
1. Under the provisions of Texas Transportation Code Chapter 1006 (Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority) and 43 Texas Administrative Code Section 57.14 (Approval of Grant Projects), entities are eligible to receive grants from the TxDMV Authority to provide financial support to law enforcement task forces and agencies for economic motor vehicle theft, including catalytic converter theft.
2. This grant program will assist the City in combatting catalytic converter theft.
3. The City agrees and assures that in the event of loss or misuse of the grant funds, the funds will be returned in full to the TxDMV Authority.
4. The City will designate an official authorized to apply for, accept, decline, modify, or cancel the grant application for the TxDMV Authority grant program and all other necessary documents to accept the grant.
5. The City will designate a program director and a financial officer for this grant.