Operation and equipment grants available for Oklahoma sheriffs

Oklahoma sheriffs in 2023 at the Capitol discuss staffing shortages due to low pay. (Photo by Mindy Ragan Wood/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY – Grant funding is available for county sheriffs to bolster services.

Passed last session, House Bill 2914 created the $18 million Oklahoma Sheriff’s Office Funding Assistance Grant Program administered through the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.

Counties can apply for grants ranging from $150,000 to $300,000, depending on their total tangible property valuation.

Sheriffs will have a chance to raise their maintenance and operations budgets this year, said Ray McNair, Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association executive director.

“County law enforcement, one of the lowest paid agencies in the state, is getting a much-needed lift,” McNair said. “As property tax dollars can no longer support the rising costs, this grant will make a significant difference.”

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

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

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 6.

The  bill requires that sheriff’s salaries be set at least $44,000, but not exceed $74,000.

The bill was a key component of budget negotiations with lawmakers.

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the measure on June 14. 

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