WHARTON — The Wharton City Council is expected to consider several public safety initiatives during its regular meeting on Monday, July 13, including an Operation Lone Star grant for the Wharton Police Department and an agreement to participate in the Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Wharton City Hall, 120 E. Caney St.
One of the agenda items would authorize the City of Wharton to accept an Operation Lone Star Grant from the Texas Office of the Governor for the Wharton Police Department.
Operation Lone Star is a state initiative designed to support border security efforts through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies. According to the Governor’s Public Safety Office, the grant program provides funding for projects that help agencies participate in coordinated border security operations aimed at deterring and disrupting criminal activity.
The program supports efforts to reduce border-related crime, combat drug trafficking, disrupt gang and cartel operations, improve intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies, and strengthen coordination between local, state and federal partners. Grant funding may also be used for eligible personnel, overtime, equipment, training and other operational expenses related to those objectives.
Council members will also consider approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Wharton Police Department and the Texas Attorney General’s Office for participation in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program.
The ICAC Task Force is a nationwide network that brings together federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate internet-facilitated crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. Participating agencies receive access to specialized training, investigative resources, digital forensic support and intelligence sharing to assist with cases involving online child exploitation, child sexual abuse material and internet-related offenses against children.
In addition to those public safety items, the council is scheduled to consider:
- An agreement for emergency medical services (EMS) billing and collection services.
- The purchase of three Butterfly Ultrasound devices for the Wharton Fire Department.
- Ratification of the emergency replacement of the Wharton Police Department’s security gate.
- Authorization to begin the selection process for a new city prosecutor through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
- Submission of an application to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s Community Development Partnership Program.
- Approval of a grant agreement through the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for generator improvements at Wharton ISD campuses.
- Appointments, resignations and vacancies on city boards, commissions and committees.
- A report from the Finance Committee’s June 22 meeting.
The meeting is open to the public, and residents will have an opportunity to address the council during the public comment portion of the meeting.
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