Operating and equipment grants available for Oklahoma sheriffs • Oklahoma Voice

OKLAHOMA CITY – Grants are available to strengthen county sheriffs’ services.

Last session passed, Bill 2914 The Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant Program, valued at $18 million, was established and is administered by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.

Counties can apply for grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000, depending on the total value of their assets.

Sheriffs will have the opportunity to increase their maintenance and operating budgets this year, said Ray McNair, executive director of the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association.

“The county police, one of the lowest paid agencies in the state, is receiving much needed support,” McNair said. “With property taxes no longer able to cover rising costs, this grant will make a significant difference.”

Grants can be used for sheriff’s office operations, including training, technology, equipment, capital improvements and more. Funds cannot be used to pay salaries.

Sheriffs must complete the grant application, which must also be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

The application deadline is September 6th at 5:00 p.m.

The bill would require a sheriff’s salary to be at least $44,000 but not to exceed $74,000.

The bill was a central part of the budget negotiations with parliamentarians.

Governor Kevin Stitt signed the measure on June 14.