Brown County board OKs grant app for new deputy

Grant would pay 75% of entry-level salary

NEW ULM -- Brown County Commissioners approved the sheriff's office application of a Fiscal Year 2023 COPS Hiring Program (CHP) grant application for 2024, Tuesday.

Action came on a motion by Commissioner Brian Braun, seconded by Scott Windschitl. Commissioner Dave Borchert cast a dissenting vote.

"I think we need to be careful and justify the need," said Borchert. He said he wants to support the request but would like to see a need's assessment.

Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl said the sheriff's office has been short-staffed for a long time and he would apply for an additional licensed deputy position in the 2024 budget during the normal additional staff request process if the grant application is not approved.

There is $224.5 million in available funding through Fiscal Year 2023. Awards will support up to 75% of the cost of an officer’s or deputy’s entry-level salary and fringe benefits for three years within a five-year performance period to accommodate time for recruiting and hiring.

Unless a waiver is approved, a minimum 25% local cash match is required. The maximum federal share per officer position is $125,000 over the three-year period. Any costs for more than entry-level salary and fringe benefits are the responsibility of the recipient agency.

Commissioners unanimously approved a fiscal year 2024-25 remote electronic alcohol monitoring grant agreement, motion by Commissioner Braun, seconded by Commissioner Borchert.

The two-year, $20,000 grant agreement is effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025. The grant assists persons charged with DWI offenses with the cost of daily electronic home monitoring costs during pre- and post-sentence supervision. DWI offenders may be on an electronic home monitor for up to six months. Most offenders qualify for partial grant funding.

Brown County does not incur monitoring costs not paid by the grant. The community benefits by additional safety alcohol monitoring can provide DWI offenders.