Committee approves several public-safety grant carryovers and a $42,212 range-wall change order from unassigned funds

Rutherford County's Public Safety Committee approved multiple budget amendments to roll federal grant carryovers into the current fiscal year and approved a payment to cover a contractor change order on a public-safety firing range. Finance and emergency-management staff explained that several Homeland Security and UAS grant awards remain open because federal fiscal years differ from the county's budget calendar; the amendments increase revenue and corresponding expenditure lines so identified equipment purchases can be completed and reimbursed. Emergency-management staff listed items intended for purchase from the carryovers including body armor, medical bags and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) night-vision or camera equipment; staff said the grants are 100% reimbursable and the county will request final reimbursement after purchases are complete. Separately, the committee approved a $42,212 request from unassigned fund balance to cover a contractor's change order on a range wall. The construction firm had performed site test holes and found unstable fill dirt requiring deeper footings; the contractor had not performed a full geotechnical survey before bidding. County staff and the county attorney said the county is not contractually obligated to pay the overage but recommended using discretionary funds to preserve a working relationship and avoid potential litigation. The committee approved the payment by roll call (motion passed 6-1). Committee members discussed the procurement timeline for equipment that may increase in price if delayed. One commissioner proposed deferring grant amendments until printed backup was available; the chair and finance director explained that the amounts are carryovers from last fiscal year and staff would provide detailed backup to budget staff for review. The committee voted to move the grant amendments forward and to process the range change order allocation.