The Helena City Commission voted 5-0 on October 16 to approve three consent agenda items, including acceptance of a Violence Against Women Act grant and a highway traffic safety grant, both for the Helena Police Department, along with routine city claims.
All five commissioners were present for the vote. Commissioner Reid briefly addressed the grant items before making the motion, noting that commissioners had reviewed the materials in advance of the meeting.
The Violence Against Women Act grant supports law enforcement efforts related to domestic and sexual violence response. The highway traffic safety grant funds traffic enforcement and safety programs within the department. Both grants bring outside funding into the city's public safety budget without drawing on local tax dollars.
For Helena residents, the dual grant approval means the Police Department secures additional resources for two distinct program areas — victim services and traffic safety — at no direct cost to the city's general fund.