Commissioners weigh generator options, $5,000 placeholder for civil defense in Banner County budget

Banner County commissioners reviewed civil defense and emergency management requests during a budget workshop, discussing options for providing backup power to county facilities and for a regional emergency operations center (EOC).

Officials said Region 22 emergency management has asked for $16,000, up $1,000 from the prior year to support a planned EOC to be housed in a remodeled portion of the old jail. Commissioners discussed generator alternatives: a permanent propane standby generator (estimated $15,000–$20,000) versus a portable 10,000‑watt unit that could cost about $5,000 and be moved among county buildings.

One commissioner favored a 10,000‑watt portable generator to power the shop, pumps and the ability to relocate to the fire hall or other sites during an emergency. The portable approach was described as more cost‑effective than trenching and installing permanent power connections; staff noted grants may have specifications that require more permanent installations.

For budgeting, a commissioner proposed a $5,000 placeholder for a generator in the civil defense line to allow purchase of a quality portable unit now and to pursue grant opportunities for larger permanent projects later.

Ending: The board discussed options but did not commit to a purchase; staff were asked to include $5,000 in the civil defense line as a starting point and to work on grant avenues and technical specifications with the fire department and emergency staff.