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Emergency management asks for increased funding after state cuts to Homeland Security pass‑through; requests radios, software and CERT support
Summary
Emergency Operations presented a larger FY26 budget driven by higher utility and software costs, a reduction in State Homeland Security pass‑through funding, and new radio and emergency‑software needs; the borough's CERT program and volunteer force multiplier work were highlighted.
Nancy Durham, borough emergency manager, told the finance committee that Emergency Operations faces reduced pass‑through funding from the State Homeland Security program and is asking for new recurring resources for software, radio replacement and CERT support.
Key points: Durham said the borough received a smaller share of State Homeland Security grants for FY24; grant awards are competitive and two of the department’s five submitted projects received only partial funding. To sustain training and response readiness, Emergency Operations requested $100,000 for contractual CERT support and $20,000 for expanded emergency‑operations software features. Durham also asked for an initial $25,000 line for replacing radios to meet updated ALMR technical standards and for ongoing radio/repeater maintenance.
CERT, training and capacity: Durham described the CERT program as a "force multiplier" that trained about "5 45" members (spoken in transcript) who help in evacuations, shelter staffing and field monitoring during flood and wildfire seasons. Committee members asked how many volunteers participate in trainings and how the program links to formal emergency funding. Durham said the program logged hundreds of volunteer hours and that the department is seeking a sustainable funding path after the state cut.
Why it matters: Durham said emergency operations has increased facilities use (Pager Road facility consolidation) and that utilities and maintenance costs rose as the department assumed more indoor storage and training space. She framed the software purchase as an interoperability improvement to share incident data with other jurisdictions.
Next steps: The department will continue applying for State/FEMA pass‑through grants; Durham asked the committee to consider the recurring software and radio budget increases as part of the FY26 package while the state grant outcomes are pending.
