After receiving mixed reviews from several community members, the Monroe County Legislature passed the $160,000 Operation Stonegarden grant in a 17-12 vote during their meeting on Aug. 11.

Operation Stonegarden is a federal grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a component of the Department of Homeland Security.

The program provides funding to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to use toward enhancing border security and operations. Monroe County first joined the federal border security grant program in 2009 and has renewed the grant annually. 

In addition to increasing operational capabilities, funds are intended to be used for operational overtime during details for the sheriff’s office and the towns of Greece, Irondequoit and Webster. 

Legislator Lystra Bartholomew McCoy said she supports Monroe County’s continued participation in Operation Stonegarden, but understands the concern about accepting federal dollars from the current administration.

“I understand why people would question whether accepting federal funding could come with expectations or consequences that conflict with our values, our state values or our role of local government, that was a concern for me as well,” McCoy said. “For me, this vote ultimately comes down to whether we can accept these resources while maintaining local control, following New York State’s law and protecting the people that we represent, I believe we can.”

Legislator Dave Long also supported the program and said the grant strictly focuses on public safety, terrorism prevention and combating cross-border trafficking along Lake Ontario.

“[The program] does not empower local deputies to enforce federal immigration law. I would not support that and I would not vote for that,” Long said. “What it does do is help our local taxpayers by bringing in funds to cover specialized equipment and overtime that would otherwise fall to our county residents.”

Legislator Rose Bonnick said she supports public safety, the sheriff’s office and making sure law enforcement have the resources they need to protect residents, but does not believe every federal dollar is worth accepting.

“Let us give our sheriff’s office the resources it needs without unnecessarily tying those resources for federal immigration enforcement infrastructure,” Bonnick said. “Yes, it’s $160,000 in real money and $160,000 that taxpayers would not be responsible for, however, Operation Stonegarden is not simply a check that arrives without strings attached.”

Legislator Linda Hasman also explained her decision to vote no against Operation Stonegarden.

Hasman said she is deeply concerned about the program’s lack of transparency and accountability, the potential increased racial profiling and fear it creates among immigrant communities.  

“I want to be clear, I support public safety and professionalism and great work of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, but I believe we can achieve public safety more effectively through community policing, clear oversight and policies that protect everyone’s rights.”

— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Monroe County approves $160K border security grant despite concerns

Reporting by Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

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By Kerria Weaver, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network