Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-052 authorizing the submission of a grant application and agreement with the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority under the Taskforce Grant Program to support law enforcement agencies to combat motor vehicle theft, burglary from a motor vehicle, and fraud-related motor vehicle crime, in the amount of $700,000 with a City match of $46,667; and take appropriate action.
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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 agencies reduce vehicle theft and related crimes. The MVCPA Taskforce Grant Program provides funding to support specialized law enforcement units dedicated to reducing motor vehicle theft and related crimes through coordinated, multi-agency enforcement efforts.
The City has previously utilized funds received through the Taskforce Grant Program to assist with the enhancement of public safety efforts by funding the Drone as a First Responder Program (DFR), which utilizes drones to provide real-time aerial support to emergency calls, improving response times, situational awareness, and overall public safety. Funds were also used to develop a regional Auto Theft Task Force in collaboration with the City of Carrollton, to assist the Police Department with reducing motor vehicle theft and related crimes through targeted enforcement, investigations, and regional collaboration with partner agencies.
The MVCPA has authorized the issuance of the Fiscal Year 2027 Request for Applications, with a grant submission deadline of May 8, 2026. 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. 2026-052 will authorize the Police Department to submit an application for the MVPCA Taskforce grant, which, upon approval, will authorize the continuance of the DFR program, assisting the Department with detecting stolen vehicles and wanted individuals, including auto theft suspects, vehicle burglary suspects, and catalytic converter thieves.
Upon approval, the Department will also utilize the grant to expand the Auto Theft Task Force to include the Town of Addison, further enhancing regional collaboration in preventing auto theft crime.
The total amount of the grant is $700,000 with a 20% required match, which will be split between the three participating cities.
Staff will be available to answer any questions the Council may have.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, the total grant amount will be $700,000, with a required match of $140,000 to be split between the City of Farmers Branch, City of Carrollton, and the Town of Addison.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-052 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-052, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-052
2. MVCPA Task Force Request for Application