Belton PD Receives $375,000 Grant
November 02, 2023
BELTON -- The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) notified the City of Belton today that it is the recipient of a $375,000 grant to help pay the salaries of three new police officers the Department plans to hire.
Nationwide today the Department of Justice awarded grants to 394 different law enforcement agencies, funding 1,730 positions at a cost of $216.8 million. The COPS office received 654 grant applications.
In Texas, 33 different cities received the grant. Belton was the only police department in the region to receive an award.
“This is great news,” Mayor David K. Leigh said. “We couldn’t provide the quality of service in Belton without strong partnerships. Leveraging grant funds to defer costs for taxpayers is always something I support.”
The grant will be paid out over the next 3-5 years at $125,000 a year. Over the life of the grant, Belton is required to contribute $346,380 toward salaries and benefits for the three new positions.
“The timing of this award couldn’t be better,” Police Chief Gene Ellis said. “The Belton City Council funded three new positions for Fiscal Year 2024, and we have just started a hiring process. Tell your family members and friends to apply.”
Once the positions are filled, the Belton Police Department will have a total of 46 sworn personnel. New officers are paid $61,460 annually. Uncertified applicants who are hired must attend a regional police academy at the City’s expense and are paid while attending.
The current application period closes at 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, 2023. A written civil service exam is scheduled for 8 a.m., Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. For more information about how to apply visit www.beltontexas.gov/policecareers.
Belton previously received COPS grants in 1995 and 2004.
"This funding eases the transition into the cost of adding more officers,” City Manager Sam Listi said. “These grants are extremely competitive, so we feel fortunate to be awarded one today.”
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