Item 08: Public Safety Downtown - Memorandum of Understanding with Texas State University

[COSM_Admin]

Consider approval of Resolution 2026-25R, approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Texas State University to enhance public safety in the Downtown Square area with Texas State University providing support, cooperation, and funding in the amount of $150,000.00 to the city; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the Memorandum of Agreement on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.

 

[JHughson]

Given the discussion during our Vision session this week, I am surprised to see in the ARF this: "The parties intend that, beginning with the Fall 2026."
semester, TXST PD will provide personnel support in lieu of direct funding.
And in the MOU there is this: "VIII. Transition Plan
The parties agree that this financial arrangement is an interim measure. Beginning Fall 2026, TXST UPD will work toward providing University personnel to supplement Square patrols, with an intent to phase out direct financial support."

Will a another agreement be provided for council to review before that happens?

 

[COSM_Admin]

Response provided by Assistant City Manager Lonzo Anderson:
Given the discussion during our Vision session this week, I am surprised to see in the ARF this: "The parties intend that, beginning with the Fall 2026."
semester, TXST PD will provide personnel support in lieu of direct funding.
And in the MOU there is this: "VIII. Transition Plan
The parties agree that this financial arrangement is an interim measure. Beginning Fall 2026, TXST UPD will work toward providing University personnel to supplement Square patrols, with an intent to phase out direct financial support."

Will a another agreement be provided for council to review before that happens?
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Texas State University was drafted prior to the Council's Visioning sessions. The purpose of the item on the February 3 Council agenda is to secure $150,000 to enhance public safety in the Downtown Square area until June 2026. In light of discussions from the Council Visioning session, any further talks about extending the term of this agreement or collaborating with Texas State to provide university personnel for additional patrols in the Square will necessitate a revision of the MOU. This revised agreement will need to be presented to the City Council for consideration.