Cibolo approves six police grant applications for equipment and victim support
"This is actually for our victims of crime," he said. "This is a grant where our victims would be able to receive funding for expenses like medical expenses, counseling, and advocacy. They get reimbursed for out of pocket expenses."
Cibolo approves six police grant applications for equipment and victim support
Cibolo City Council approved six grant applications at their January 27 meeting — all through the Office of the Governor's public safety programs.
What They're Applying For
Chief Andreas brought six grant applications to council for approval:
- Public Safety Project
- Peace Officer Mental Health (officially named, but Chief described it as for victims of crime)
- Grant application (name not specified in meeting)
- Rifle-Resistant Body Armor
- Body Worn Cameras
- Grant application (name not specified, 20% local match required)
Council approved all six applications.
The Catch: City Has to Match
Two of the six grants require a 20% local match.
What that means:
- If Cibolo wins a $50,000 grant, the city has to chip in $10,000
- If it's a $100,000 grant, the city pays $20,000
Chief Andreas couldn't say exactly how much the city would be on the hook for — because the grant amounts haven't been awarded yet. They're just applying.
Council approved the applications before knowing the total cost. They'll find out if and when grants are awarded.
The Victims of Crime Grant
One of the grants — officially titled "Peace Officer Mental Health" on the agenda — is actually for crime victims, not officers. Chief Andreas explained it's a grant Cibolo has used before.
"This is actually for our victims of crime," he said. "This is a grant where our victims would be able to receive funding for expenses like medical expenses, counseling, and advocacy. They get reimbursed for out of pocket expenses."
Victims can also receive funding for temporary housing, funeral expenses, and lost wages from work.
"It's a great grant for our community because it just benefits our victims," Chief Andreas said.
This grant has a 20% match requirement and goes directly to victims, not the police department. It does not fund employee positions or training.
New State Requirements
The state changed its process this year and now requires council approval before grant applications are submitted — not after awards are announced.
Chief Andreas explained the new timing: "So, typically, in each one of them, I can tell you what we, working with the grant writer, would like to submit for. But, obviously, what we're gonna be awarded, we won't know until we just if we approved or not."
If the grants aren't awarded, the city isn't obligated to spend anything.
Source: Cibolo City Council meeting, January 27, 2026 (transcript)
