The Oklahoma Attorney General’s office announced earlier this month that sheriffs across the state could pursue grant funding to bolster their services to their counties.
According to a press release from the office of Attorney General Gentner Drummond, House Bill 2914 created the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant Program during this year’s legislative session and appropriated $18 million to the fund. Counties can apply for grants from $150,000 to $300,000, depending on their total tangible property valuation.
Using that formulation, Sheriff Travis Daugherty said that Blaine County would be eligible for $250,000, if they win the grant.
The sheriff requested approval Monday from the Blaine County Commission to submit the grant, and the request was approved.
“This funding will help enhance law enforcement services throughout our state,” Drummond said. “I’m pleased we are able to help sheriff’s offices strengthen their operations on behalf of public safety.”
Or, as Daugherty explained to the commissioners, the money would be to supplement the money already budgeted, not to replace it in the budget.
Ray McNair, executive director of the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association, said in the press release that all sheriffs will have the opportunity to boost their maintenance and operations budgets this year.
“County law enforcement, one of the lowest paid agencies in the state, is getting a much-needed lift. As property tax dollars can no longer fully support the rising costs, this grant will make a significant difference,” he said. “This will surely have a positive impact on community safety and well-being.”
Grants can be used for sheriff’s office operations including training, technology, equipment, capital improvements and more, including stipends to officers.
The grant applications have already gone out all 77 counties. County sheriffs must complete the application, which then must be approved and submitted by the Board of County Commissioners. In Blaine County, the undersheriff is responsible for completing the paperwork. The application is due by 5 p.m. on Sept. 6.