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
Sheriff’s Office - FY 2026 Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program Acceptance
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Accept the Fiscal Year 2026 Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program in the amount of $396,000.00 in federal funds to purchase a Law Enforcement Patrol/Rescue Boat; 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 October 1, 2026, and will end on September 30, 2027.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The FY 2026 Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants/Byrne Discretionary Grants Program provides funding for discretionary grants to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, to prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and to assist victims of crime. Funding is only provided for the specific projects in the amounts designated in the Congressional Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act. This funding was secured by Senator Katie Britt whose advocacy helped advance these dollars through the passage of FY 2026 federal appropriations bills.
Baldwin County’s extensive coastline and waterways present safety challenges with visitors and residents traversing waters daily. The BCSO currently lacks a dedicated rescue boat, which has created delays in responding to water emergencies, such as drownings and vessel accidents. The BCSO will purchase a rescue boat with the designated funding provided in the FY 2026 CJS Appropriations Act, enabling Deputies to respond promptly to emergencies on the water.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $396,000.00 in federal grant revenues
Budget line item(s) to be used: 28170020.55510 - 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: Sheriff Lowery
Roger Rendleman
Tara Hazelbaker
Christie Bezoari
Kim Kelly
Shelby Middleton
Alivia Wade
Additional instructions/notes: Admin - draw signature line on bottom of Agreement for signature; upload to portal.