SUBJECT
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A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas, authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant in the amount of $1,501,301.73 from the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office Homeland Security Grants Division (HSGD) for the purpose of funding the FY26 Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Program. The grant period will begin September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026; funding will be used to pay for costs associated with the operation of the TAG Center such as personnel, rent, contractual obligations, information system interfaces, equipment, training, supplies and direct operating expenses. This grant does not require local match. Funding is available in the Special Police Fund.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Resolution 2025-R-36 to submit grant application for FY26 was approved by City Council on 2/18/2025.
BACKGROUND
The Public Safety Office (PSO) is soliciting applications for preselected projects that support regional, multidisciplinary approaches to combat gang violence through the coordination of gang prevention, intervention, and suppression activities. State funds are authorized under the Texas General Appropriations Act, Article I, Rider 22 and Rider 40 to the Trusted Programs within the Office of the Governor. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.
In FY22 the City of Laredo was awarded grant funding from the Office of the Governor to establish the 9th Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Center. This will be the fifth year of operation for the TAG Center. With grant funding, the Laredo TAG Center has brought together all resources and enforcement partnerships to address a major security threat and gap along the South Texas border. Counties along the border continue to be a primary area for gangs and Mexican cartels to operate and engage in serious and violent criminal activities. The TAG Center, centrally located in Laredo, enables participating local, state and federal law enforcement to more efficiently and effectively collaborate on intelligence, investigations, and operational activities related to combating gangs and other criminal organizations operating in and affecting the South Texas border region.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the approval of this Resolution.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: Grant
Account #: 229-2331
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Grant is accounted for in the Special Police Fund 229-2331. Project OGAG26/OGAS26.