Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 10/20/2026
Item Status: New
From: Katrina Taylor, Grants and Compliance Manager
Submitted by: Alivia Wade, Grants Coordinator
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ITEM TITLE
Title
FY 2026 Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program (TEP) Grant Acceptance
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Accept the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program (TEP) Grant in the amount of $500,000.00 in federal funds to purchase the Fort Morgan Public Beach Safety Markers; and
2) Authorize the Chairman to execute documents related to this grant; and
3) Authorize the Grants and Compliance Manager to submit the acceptance electronically through the Justice Grants System portal on behalf of the Baldwin County Commission.
The performance period for the agreement began on January 23, 2026, and will end on January 31, 2028.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The FY 2026 COPS Technology and Equipment Program (TEP) is a noncompetitive, invitational grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to fund law enforcement technology and equipment that support crime prevention, response, and community policing.
The Baldwin County Commission secured $500,000 in federal funding to support the installation of high-visibility beach safety markers at public access locations along Fort Morgan. The funding, secured through U.S. Congressman Barry Moore as part of the FY 2026 appropriations process, positions Baldwin County to strengthen ongoing Beach Safe efforts in the Fort Morgan area. Fort Morgan’s long stretches of shoreline and limited landmarks can make it challenging to pinpoint locations during emergencies. Once installed, these markers will provide clear reference points to help first responders quickly locate those in need, reinforcing awareness and preparedness efforts that are central to the Beach Safe initiative.
Previous Commission action/date: August 18, 2026 - Approved the submittal of the FY 2026 Office of COPS Technology and Equipment Program grant application by staff, requesting $500,000.00 in federal funds to purchase the Fort Morgan Public Beach Safety Markers; authorized the Chairman to execute documents related to this grant application; and authorized the Grants and Compliance Manager to submit the application electronically through the Justice Grants System portal on behalf of the Baldwin County Commission.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $500,000.00 in federal grant revenues
Budget line item(s) to be used: 28170020.55240 - Capital Outlay MV Equipment
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? No
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: Standard grant agreement has been previously approved; no additional legal review is required.
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: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration Staff
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Admin - send NOA email to Katrina Taylor.
cc: Roger Rendleman, Frank Lundy, Mark Acreman, Tara Hazelbaker, Christie Bezoari, Shelby Middleton, Alivia Wade
Additional instructions/notes: Admin - draw signature line on bottom of Agreement for signature; upload to portal.