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Grant consultant outlines funding options; council highlights waterlines, cameras and parks
Summary
Independent grant consultant Donna Riggs briefed council on grant types, costs and realistic expectations; council and staff identified water infrastructure, body‑worn cameras, flock cameras, tasers and park improvements as priorities.
Donna Riggs, an independent grant writer with roughly 14 years’ experience, spoke to council about grant strategies and practical expectations for municipal projects.
Riggs told the council grants are not "free money" and that she evaluates fit before proposing applications. She said grants vary widely in size and complexity; her fee range is about $400 to $1,200 per grant depending on length and complexity. Riggs also noted large construction projects sometimes require multiple award rounds and that match requirements can range from low percentages to substantial local matches depending on the funder.
Council members and department heads provided a wish list they want Riggs to pursue: flock (automated license‑plate) camera grants, body‑worn camera funding, tasers, park restroom/tennis‑to‑pickleball repairs, and waterline infrastructure. The police chief and staff noted some camera purchases may be viable under current AG and school safety grant rounds; staff said they will share lists and specifications to support applications.
Riggs agreed to work with department leads and to prioritize opportunities that present the best fit for village needs. Council asked her to review JAG, school safety and any state AG grants that may cover body‑worn cameras or camera networks, and to coordinate with municipal staff on a project schedule and vendor lists.
No formal votes were taken on grant procurement at the meeting; council directed staff to provide the consultant with departmental wish lists and to return with prioritized funding targets.
