Grapevine council members could soon call an election to reauthorize the use of sales tax dollars for the Crime Control and Prevention District.
City officials presented options for extending the dedication of sales tax dollars toward the Crime and Control Prevention District during the Feb. 3 meeting.
The overview
The city of Grapevine receives 2% of the state’s mandated 8.25% sales tax. Of that amount, 0.5% is allocated to the Crime Control and Prevention District, Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Strawn said. The program focuses on crime prevention initiatives that engage and inform the community, according to the Grapevine Police Department.
The allocation initially started in 2006 and was granted a five-year term, and it was extended in 2011 for 15 years. The program is set to expire again in May, Strawn said. Without an extension, the revenue from the sales tax would go into the general fund rather than the Crime Control and Prevention District.
“The one unknown thing here is what is going to happen to sales,” Strawn said. “If sales were to significantly change as a result of the economy, then that puts a stress on everything that we do.”
The Crime Control and Prevention District is used to fund the police’s dispatch, criminal investigations division, and uniform and jail operations. The expenses for the fiscal year 2025-26 budget total $25.97 million. In revenue, the district will receive about $23.21 million for FY 2025-26, resulting in a projected $2.76 million shortfall.
Diving deeper
A few other projects funded through the Crime Control and Prevention District as a result of receiving these funds include:
- Oak Grove ballfield lighting and turf replacement
- City Hall security improvements
- Public safety equipment
Strawn originally suggested a 15-year extension option. However, council members favored a 20-year extension and directed staff to proceed with that term for the resolution.
“Fifteen to 20 [years] would be the best recommendation,” Strawn said.
Going forward
Council is expected to decide Feb. 17 whether to add this item to the May 2 election ballot. If the resolution moves forward, voters will have the opportunity to decide if the allocation should get reauthorized. The decision could not be reversed by voters and would change only if state law is amended.
