Sheriff’s office receives funding, housing program declined
GEORGETOWN — County Commissioners accepted grant monies for the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and Transformative Justice Program, but declined federal funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program.
During Tuesday’s session, commissioners learned the Sheriff’s Office received a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant to purchase an inflatable rescue boat, motor and trailer for the county.
A previous rescue boat was damaged during the deadly July 5 floods.
“I will apply for any grant that can get the department the things we need and save the county money,” Sheriff Matthew Lindemann previously said.
Deputies also received commissioners’ approval during the April 14 meeting to apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to the tune of $15,000 to help support Junior Deputy Academy, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, Adult Citizens Academy and more.
Meanwhile, the Transformative Justice Program received grant funds of $164,000 from the Criminal Justice Grants Program. Those funds will receive an equal match from the county.
Commissioners approved County Auditor Julie Kiley to help manage the funds.
The program provides second chances instead of jail for nonviolent, young adult offenders.
In other business, Community Development Administrator Sally Bardwell recommended commissioners decline Department of Housing and Urban Development funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, The program aims to create affordable housing for low-income residents, but requires a local contribution and adding staff.
The commissioners declined the funding. “Participation requires establishing an ongoing administration of the HOME program, which entails significant staffing compliance and oversight management. I’m not sure we have the capacity to do that,” Bardwell said.
Under federal guidelines, the county would also have to invest $26,000 and meet a $750,000 threshold to receive the allocation.
“We could request that the state release those funds to us, however, when discussing this with HUD they have no knowledge that the state has ever done that for this program,” Bardwell said.
Given financial and staffing constraints, Bardwell said it was in the county’s best interest to deny the funds at this time and revisit the issue next year.
Commissioners meet at 9:30 a.m. April 21 at 710 S. Main St.
Sessions can also be viewed online at wilcotx.gov/331/ Commissioners- Court.
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“I’m not sure we have the capacity to do that.”
– Sally Bardwell
