Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 4/21/2026
Item Status: New
From: Robert E. Wilters, District Attorney; Teresa Heinz, Chief Assistant District Attorney; Brian Underwood, Grants Director
Submitted by: Katrina Taylor, Grants Administrator
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ITEM TITLE
Title
District Attorney’s Office - Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) FY 2025 Local Program Application
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Approve the submittal of the Fiscal Year 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) local program application by staff on behalf of the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office requesting $17,323.00 in federal funds to purchase furniture for the Grand Jury Room in the new Baldwin County District Attorney Building currently under construction located in Bay Minette; and
2) Authorize the Chairman to execute the Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive of the Applicant Government, Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), and any other documents related to this grant.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The JAG Program provides states, tribes, and local governments with critical funding necessary to support a range of program areas, including law enforcement, prosecution, indigent defense, courts, crime prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning, evaluation, technology improvement, crime victim and witness initiatives, mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams, and implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings and associated programs or initiatives including, but not limited to, mental health courts, drug courts, veterans courts, and extreme risk protection order programs.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) funding applications are submitted in a two-step process, each with its own deadline. Applicants begin the application process by submitting an SF-424 and SF-LLL within Grants.gov by April 21, 2026. The applicant can then submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants by April 28, 2026.
The new District Attorney’s Office building includes a dedicated Grand Jury Room designed to support core prosecutorial functions. Appropriate furniture is essential to ensure the space is functional, secure, and suitable for grand jury proceedings. The requested furnishings will provide adequate seating, work surfaces, and layout necessary for jurors, prosecutors, witnesses, and support staff to conduct confidential deliberations, review evidence, and participate in case presentations.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $17,323.00 in grant revenues
Budget line item(s) to be used: TBD
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents? N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: April 21, 2026
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Administration forward the signed Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive of the Applicant Government, Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) to the Grants Department, attention Katrina Taylor, for grant submission.
If the grant is awarded, the funds acceptance along with any agreements and related documents will be brought back for Commission approval.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A