Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar continues his Good for Texas Tour by highlighting the $125 million in grant funds distributed to rural law enforcement and prosecutor offices across the state. As part of the Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program, counties like Tom Green, Schleicher, and Menard have benefited from supplemental salary assistance and equipment purchases made possible through these grants.
Today, Hegar visited Tom Green, Schleicher, and Menard counties, recognizing their efforts in using these funds to support local law enforcement and legal representation. “For years, many of these rural law enforcement and prosecutor offices have lacked the resources they need to attract and retain personnel or to buy much-needed equipment,” Hegar said. “These men and women are the backbone of their communities, and Texas is committed to supporting them.”
The Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program was created under Senate Bill 22 during the 88th Texas Legislature. Administered by the Comptroller’s office, it allows counties and prosecutor offices to apply for grants during the 2024-25 biennium. By the end of fiscal year 2024, Hegar’s office had awarded $125.7 million to 502 grant recipients across the state.
Tom Green County received $1.3 million, while Menard and Schleicher counties each received $525,000. These funds were used to increase salaries for sheriffs, deputies, jailers, and other employees, as well as hire additional staff and purchase essential equipment like patrol vehicles.
“This program is a critical step toward ensuring these crucial entities have the resources they need to keep our communities safe,” Hegar added. He also acknowledged the Texas Legislature for entrusting him with the program.
The Rural Law Enforcement Grant Program offers three key funding opportunities for counties with populations under 300,000: the Rural Sheriff’s Department Salary Assistance Grant, the Rural Constable’s Office Salary Assistance Grant, and the Rural Prosecutor’s Office Salary Assistance Grant.
Texas Reporter 