In Fiscal Year 2005-06, Congress combined the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program (primarily funding cities) with the Edward Byrne Memorial Grant (primarily funding states and counties), to provide funds for the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).  All eligible Orange County cities under this program now file a joint application with the County to receive their share of these funds. JAG formula grants were placed on hold in 2017 while the Federal government was involved in litigation with the State. The funds have now been released, and the City received the following allocations:

•  Fiscal Year 2017 JAG Allocation: $34,887.00 less a 10% administrative fee ($3,488.70). Garden Grove retains $31,398.30

•  Fiscal Year 2018 JAG Allocation: $36,260.00 less a 10% administrative fee ($3,626.00). Garden Grove retains $32,634.00.

The Police Department will continue to use these funds to pay a portion of its jail services contract. The jail contract saves thousands of Department man-hours and is a key component for maximizing police officer time out on the streets.

Utilizing JAG Program grant funds, in the approximate amount of $64,032, for a portion of the cost for jail services creates no burden on the City’s General Fund.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Approve the agreements with the County of Orange for the 2017 and 2018 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program;

• Approve allocating the grant funds for the City’s jail services contract; and

• Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with the County of Orange on behalf of the City.