El Campo is hoping state grant money—not local taxes—will pay for more than $150,000 in police upgrades. At its Jan. 26 meeting, the city council backed two grant requests for a new records and dispatch system, plus protective rifle plates for officers. Police Chief David Marcaurele said the city’s 20-year-old system slows both police and emergency response. The grants would replace outdated gear and cover costs for three years without using local funds. Marcaurele said he’s optimistic El Campo will secure at least one of the grants.