Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-053 authorizing the submission of a grant application and agreement with the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority under the Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Grant Program to support the Farmers Branch Police Department in preventing economic motor vehicle theft for an amount of $200,000 with a $40,000 City match; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Police Department
Finance Department
BACKGROUND:
The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) is a Texas state agency under the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles that provides grants to help law enforcement reduce vehicle theft and related crimes. The Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Grant Program specifically funds efforts to prevent and deter catalytic converter theft through enforcement, equipment, and public awareness initiatives.
Application for this grant helps the City of Farmers Branch enhance public safety by funding targeted efforts to reduce vehicle theft and related crimes, while also demonstrating the City’s commitment to public safety through proactive investment in crime prevention.
The Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority has authorized the issuance of the Fiscal Year 2027 Request for Applications related to the Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Grant Program. The Police Department has utilized these grant funds in past fiscal years to successfully reduce motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts theft within the city. Senate Bill 224 states that funds deposited into the General Revenue Fund for coordinated regulatory and law enforcement activities to detect and prevent catalytic converter theft in the State may be appropriated to the local authority to support these prevention efforts.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of Resolution No. 2026-053 authorizes the submission of a grant application to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority. If awarded, grant funds will be used to renew an agreement for license plate reader (LPR) cameras, camera trailers, and related software currently deployed throughout the city. These tools support the detection of stolen vehicles, the identification of wanted individuals, and the prevention of catalytic converter theft. The Department has effectively utilized this technology to reduce property crime and assist in identifying suspects involved in vehicle theft cases.
The total amount of the grant is $200,000, with a City match of $40,000 and $160,000 reimbursable by the State.
Staff will be available to answer any questions the Council may have.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, the total grant amount will be $200,000, with a City match of $40,000.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-053 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-053, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-053
2. MVCPA Request for Application