Discussion and possible action to authorize the continuation of payroll for grant-funded personnel under the Operation Lone Star (OLS) Grant Program for a period of ninety (90) days, effective September 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, pending notification of the continuation award for Office of the Governor Grant No. 4376705 from the Criminal Justice Division, Office of the Governor, Public Sa

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Discussion and possible action to authorize the continuation of payroll for grant-funded personnel under the Operation Lone Star (OLS) Grant Program for a period of ninety (90) days, effective September 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, pending notification of the continuation award for Office of the Governor Grant No. 4376705 from the Criminal Justice Division, Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office; authorizing all necessary actions related thereto; and any other matters incident thereto. All eligible personnel costs incurred during this period will be submitted for reimbursement through grant funds upon award. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Sheriff; Fund #2748] Issue: The current funding under Office of the Governor Grant No. 4376704, Operation Lone Star (OLS) Grant Program, is set to expire on August 31, 2026. As of this date, the Criminal Justice Division, Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, has not issued the continuation award for Grant No. 4376705. Without approval of this item, personnel currently funded through the OLS Grant Program may experience an interruption in payroll beginning September 1, 2026. Solution: Authorize the continuation of payroll for OLS grant-funded personnel for ninety (90) days, effective September 1, 2026, through November 30, 2026, pending receipt of the continuation award for Grant No. 4376705. Eligible personnel costs incurred during this period will be submitted for reimbursement upon receipt of the grant award. Result: Approval will allow Webb County to maintain uninterrupted staffing for the Operation Lone Star Program and retain personnel critical to ongoing border security operations, including efforts to deter and interdict criminal activity, while awaiting formal notification of the FY2027 grant award.

This motion is scored as RESTRAINS_GOVERNMENT (Impact Weight: 2.5/10). Under the Bastiat Liberty Watchdog Index, voting YES on measures that cap or reduce ad valorem tax burdens, expand taxpayer exemptions, retire debt early, enforce competitive bidding caps, or remove regulatory/zoning barriers to private property rights earns a positive Pro-Liberty score.