Police Chief Steve Keller briefed the council on Nov. 18 about a new state public‑safety grant program administered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission and related local public‑safety sales tax. Keller recommended applying and said the grant could support a mix of positions, including a part‑time co‑responder (mental‑health professional) and additional entry‑level officers to increase minimum staffing.

Keller explained eligibility tiers give priority to agencies with existing co‑responder programs; agencies without such programs are less likely to receive top priority but can still apply. He summarized the grant terms in plain language: the program can fund up to 75% of salary plus benefits for up to three years, “with a maximum amount of $125,000 per position.” He said the city’s estimate for co‑responder need is roughly 15–20 hours per week and that four entry‑level officers would raise staffing and reduce single‑officer responses.

Council members pressed on long‑term sustainability if grant support ends after three years. Keller and staff said a tentative award would require a later evaluation of whether to accept and how to fund any ongoing costs; they noted state legislative priority and uncertainty about future funding. Members also discussed alternative approaches (partnering with neighboring jurisdictions, contracting or partial positions) to reduce sustained budget impacts.

Keller cited data showing increased response times and complexity of calls, and argued additional personnel and a co‑responder would reduce officer overtime, improve safety on domestic disturbance calls and create capacity for traffic and investigative follow‑up.

Next steps: staff intends to prepare applications and to return to council with tentative awards and a sustainability analysis before accepting funding that would create long‑term obligations.