The Helena City Commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to accept two federal grants for the Helena Police Department, along with routine city claims, clearing all three items from the consent agenda without opposition. The grants — one through the Violence Against Women Act and another through a highway traffic safety program — will add funding to department operations without drawing from the city's general fund.
Commissioner Reid briefly addressed the grant items before moving approval, noting that commissioners had reviewed the materials ahead of the meeting. All five commissioners were present for the vote. Consent agenda items are typically reserved for routine or non-controversial business that staff and commissioners have already vetted.
The Violence Against Women Act grant supports law enforcement efforts related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking response. The highway traffic safety grant is administered through a state program tied to federal Department of Transportation funding and is commonly used for equipment, training, or enforcement initiatives. The commission did not publicly specify dollar amounts for either grant during the meeting.
For Helena residents, both grants represent outside dollars coming into the police department at no direct cost to local taxpayers. The funds take effect upon formal acceptance by the commission, which occurred with Tuesday's vote.