TITLE
Title
BUDGET AMENDMENT: FY26 NC GOVERNOR’S HIGHWAY SAFETY DWI TASK FORCE GRANT
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Sheriff Danny H. Rogers (Capt. Wes Mecham)
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BACKGROUND
Background
The overall objective of the Governor’s Highway Safety DWI Task Force grant is to provide programs, which address traffic related issues. Some of the main areas of focus for the Task Force are unrestrained drivers and passengers, especially children; motorists driving while impaired; and community education on these issues.
Statistics for Guilford County from NCDOT:
5 Year Average:
572 crashes per year involving an unrestrained driver or passenger, 21 of which resulted in a fatality and 36 resulting in serious injuries.
629 crashes per year involving a driver suspected of impairment, 22 of which resulted in a fatality, 36 resulting in serious injuries.
823 crashes per year involving a driver who was speeding, 18 of which resulted in a fatality, 24 resulting in serious injuries.
In 2024 the Task Force made a total of 2,831 criminal and traffic charges. As part of these charges the Task Force arrested 421 arrests were made for DWI, and 117 seat belt citations were issued. Nine (9) vehicles were seized for DWI related charges with an estimated value of $107,000 for the School Board.
Grant funding will assist with salaries and benefits, training, and travel expenses for all Task Force members. The travel expenses are for both in-state and out-of-state travel costs. It will also assist with educator supplies.
A budget ordinance was adopted with the FY26 budget with an estimated Federal/State portion of $179,365 and $538,093 in County match for a total budget of $717,458. The final State amount reflected in this agenda item is lower than originally budgeted at $155,187. The Task Force is comprised of five (5) positions, which are: one (1) Sergeant, one (1) Master Corporal, one (1) DWI educator, and two (2) enforcement deputies. The total cost of the program is estimated to be $717,458 annually with Guilford County providing $562,271 and State/Federal funding providing $155,187. $538,093 in County matching funds were appropriated in the FY 2025-26 budget. An additional $24,178 in County funds will be needed to support the positions for the 12 month term.
The budget for the Task Force is allocated thusly:
Personnel: $695,958 (Federal/State portion = $149,812)
Other direct costs: $21,500 (Federal/State portion = $5,375)
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
Grant Projects Fund
FY26 DWI Taskforce Grant
$24,178 decrease in Federal/State Funds
$24,178 increase in Transfer from Other Funds (General Fund)
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve receipt of the FY26 DWI Taskforce Grant in the amount of $155,187 and amend the grant project ordinance for the FY26 DWI Task Force Grant to decrease Federal/State Funds in the amount of $24,178 and increase Transfers from Other Funds (General Fund) in the in the amount of $24,178. Authorize a transfer from the General Fund to the project ordinance for $24,178.
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