DATE: October 15, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Police Department
TITLE: APPROVAL TO ACCEPT $280,000 IN GRANT FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council accept and appropriate $280,000 in grant funds from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program 2025-2026; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all related grant documents.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
In January 2025, the Oceanside Police Department (OPD) submitted a grant application to OTS for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) 2025-26. In June 2025, OTS notified OPD that the grant application had been accepted for funding in the amount of $280,000. The grant funds are to be expended during the grant period of October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
The goal of this grant program is to reduce the number of fatal and injury collisions involving alcohol and other primary collision factors within the City. Strategies include, but are not limited to, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoints, DUI saturation patrols, warrant service operations, court stings, educational presentations, and the Know Your Limit Awareness Campaign. The program also includes concentration on speed, distracted driving, seat belt enforcement, and special enforcement operations encouraging motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian safety. The strategies are designed to attract media attention, thus enhancing the overall deterrent effect.
OPD’s Traffic Services Unit has an extensive and successful history of working with the OTS with the goal of making Oceanside’s streets safer. This grant will allow the Department to continue its efforts in removing DUI drivers from City roads, and holding drivers and motorcyclists accountable for operating their vehicles safely within City limits. Acceptance and appropriation of the grant funds, in the amount of $280,000, will cover the cost of overtime and benefits for sworn and non-sworn personnel, supplies, and travel and training expenses through September 2026, without impacting the General Fund. OTS will reimburse OPD for the approved expenses.
FISCAL IMPACT
The grant reimbursement will be deposited and appropriated as detailed below. There are no matching requirements from the City.
|
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program - OTS 2025-2026 |
Appropriation |
Account Number |
|
Overtime |
$258,075 |
817144425273.5120 |
|
Overtime Benefits |
3,689 |
817144425273.5207 |
|
Travel Expenses |
5,058 |
817144425273.5345 |
|
Checkpoint and Traffic Control Supplies |
13,178 |
817144425273.5355 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$280,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenue |
$280,000 |
817144425273.4376 |
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
The Police and Fire Commission will be informed of this item during its regular scheduled meeting on October 14, 2025.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The City Attorney has reviewed the referenced documents and approved as to form.
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Prepared by: Whitney Fernandez, Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Taurino Valdovinos, Chief of Police
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff Report
2. OTS Grant Agreement - PT26063