It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Ratify the application for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grant from the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, Crime Victim Services Division;

2. Authorize the acceptance of grant funds in an amount not to exceed $84,000.00, if awarded;

3. Authorize the execution of a Grant Agreement with the Office of the Attorney General of Texas;

4. Adopt the attached resolution for acceptance of grant funds in the amount of $84,000.00 and to make assurances as required by the Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grant; and

4. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in the amount of $84,000.00 upon receipt of the grant.

The Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grant will fund a bilingual, Spanish-Language Victim Assistance Specialist position within the Fort Worth Police Department. The Victim Assistance Specialist will provide support throughout the Fort Worth Police Department to victims of violent crimes and their families who need Spanish speaking services. This position is responsible for working with victims of violent crimes to provide information on the law enforcement process, victims' rights, local resources and crime victims' compensation. The Office of the Attorney General has been funding this program since September 2008.

Funding in the amount of $84,000.00 will provide partial salary for the Victim Assistance Specialist for 24 months. The remaining salary costs and associated fringe benefits will be covered by the General Fund. The City of Fort Worth is not required to provide matching funds. Indirect costs are not an eligible budget category under this grant.