TITLE:title
Grant Application & Allocate Additional FTEs - North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program - Union County Sheriff’s Office Toxicology Lab Expansion
body
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dorothy Thomas, Sheriff’s Office, Public Safety Finance Administrator, 704-283-3578
ACTION REQUESTED:
1) Adopt Resolution, 2) authorize the County Manager to submit the GHSP grant application and provide required assurances and certifications associated with the grant application as substantially consistent with this agenda item, which includes the authorization to execute documents related to award of the grant and budget funds as appropriate, and 3) authorize the addition of two (2) FTEs.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
February 17, 2026, Regular Meeting, Agenda Item #26-071 - Authorized County Manager to submit the associated grant application and make necessary assurances and certifications associated with the grant application as substantially consistent with this agenda item.
BACKGROUND:
The Union County Sheriff’s Office is eligible to receive a grant from the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP). The grant will fund two (2) positions in the Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, with no local match required.
The Crime Lab is expanding toxicology services to surrounding counties, increasing the volume of blood alcohol and blood drug kits associated with Driving While Impaired (DWI) cases. This regional expansion allows agencies in neighboring jurisdictions to send blood toxicology kits directly to Union County’s Crime Lab for testing.
The GHSP grant provides funding for:
• One (1) Lead Forensic Chemist (Pay Grade O)
• One (1) Forensic Chemist I (Pay Grade M)
These positions will increase caseload capacity, reduce processing times, alleviate backlogs, and minimize delays that can contribute to speedy-trial issues or case dismissals. Faster turnaround times support higher conviction rates and reduce recidivism among impaired drivers. These improvements will enhance roadway safety and reduce impaired-driving related fatalities and injuries both within Union County and neighboring regions.
The grant is a one-year award covering 100% of costs associated with these positions. Two additional one-year continuation awards may be available, reimbursing approximately 85% in year two and 70% in year three.
Requested Personnel:
• Forensic Chemist I (PG M) - approximate salary: $94,154.29 + benefits
• Lead Forensic Chemist (PG O) - approximate salary: $107,293.52 + benefits
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None. This is a reimbursement grant with expenditures made in arrears on a quarterly basis. The cost associated with this initial grant period is approximately $288,900, with 100% reimbursement by GHSP. This includes salary, benefits calculated at FY2026 rates, and minimal operational costs (equipment and training) totaling $30,000. No vehicles are associated with the request.