Shelby County approves $62,500 grant for justice impact study and other funding resolutions

The Shelby County Committee Meeting held on April 30, 2025, addressed several key resolutions and budget amendments aimed at enhancing community services and law enforcement capabilities.

The meeting commenced with a vote on a resolution that passed favorably, which was not specified in detail. Following this, the parliamentarian introduced Item 2, a resolution to accept a state grant of $62,500 from the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs. This grant will fund an impact study conducted by the Center for Justice Policy Practice and Research. The resolution was moved by Commissioner Erica Sugarman and seconded by Commissioner Ford, receiving unanimous support.

Subsequent agenda items included a series of resolutions focused on funding for various community and law enforcement initiatives. Item 3 proposed a $100,000 contract with Second Chances Foundation for recovery housing services for men involved with the Shelby County Drug Court, Veterans Court, and Mental Health Court. This resolution also passed with favorable recommendations.

Item 4 involved the expenditure of $485,100 for cloud storage and support for body-worn cameras and in-car video systems for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Item 5 sought to appropriate $35,000 in federal grant funds from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Item 6 proposed an amendment to the FY 2025 budget to allocate $60,000 in federal grant funds for disrupting illegal drug commerce in Shelby County. All these items were moved together and passed with favorable recommendations.

The meeting also included two add-on items. Item 7 approved the expenditure of $76,828 for purchasing outdoor warning sirens, while Item 8 involved a grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation for hazardous materials training, totaling $37,600. Both items were discussed and passed despite not undergoing legal review due to timing issues.

The meeting concluded with discussions regarding the Shelby County School Board, where a motion was made to defer a related item to the next committee meeting for further review. The committee also addressed several resolutions concerning the appointment of notaries and personnel policy committee members, which were deferred for additional consideration.

Overall, the meeting highlighted Shelby County's commitment to enhancing public safety and community support through strategic funding and partnerships. The next committee meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2025, where further discussions and decisions will take place.