Discussion and possible action to authorize an additional thirty (30) days of payroll continuation through October 31, 2026, for all eligible personnel funded under the Operation Lone Star (OLS) Grant Program, including existing and newly hired employees within the following participating departments: Webb County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, County Court at Law I, and County Clerk

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Discussion and possible action to authorize an additional thirty (30) days of payroll continuation through October 31, 2026, for all eligible personnel funded under the Operation Lone Star (OLS) Grant Program, including existing and newly hired employees within the following participating departments: Webb County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, County Court at Law I, and County Clerk’s Office; following the previously approved thirty (30) day payroll continuation period, pending notification of the grant continuation award from the Criminal Justice Division, Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office; authorizing payment of eligible personnel costs during the additional continuation period, subject to reimbursement through grant funds upon award; and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Sheriff; Fund #2748] Issue: Commissioners Court previously authorized payroll continuation for OLS grant-funded personnel through September 30, 2026. The continuation award for the subsequent grant cycle has not yet been issued. Additional authorization is necessary to ensure uninterrupted payroll for eligible personnel assigned to and funded through the OLS Grant Program, including employees currently serving under the program and employees hired to fill approved grant-funded positions. Solution: Authorize an additional thirty (30) days of payroll continuation through October 31, 2026, for all eligible OLS grant-funded personnel while Webb County awaits notification of the continuation award. Eligible personnel costs incurred during this period will be submitted for reimbursement upon receipt of the grant award, subject to grant eligibility and availability of funds. Result: Approval will allow participating Webb County departments to maintain staffing for approved OLS grant-funded positions through October 31, 2026, avoiding disruption to program operations while the County awaits issuance of the continuation award.

This motion is scored as EXPANDS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.6/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, measures that increase tax rates or fee schedules, issue new debt or Certificates of Obligation, expand regulatory/zoning restrictions on private land use, or authorize unbudgeted spending expansions reduce an official's Freedom Score when voted YES (and reward dissenting NO votes).