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Commissioners discuss hiring grant writer/manager and stepping up grant-seeking
Summary
Board members discussed hiring a grant writer on a contingency/percentage basis and pairing that role with grant-management capacity. No formal hiring decision was made; commissioners signaled interest and asked staff to explore options without adding positions to the current budget.
Fremont County commissioners debated whether to pursue outside grant-writing capacity and to pair writing with grant management during their May 24 budget discussions.
The discussion matters because the county’s ability to secure state and federal grants influences capital projects (roads, infrastructure), public-safety upgrades and program sustainability; commissioners said current staffing leaves the county underexposed to competitive grant opportunities.
Several commissioners said they would like the county to pursue a grant writer who could work on a percentage basis (pay-for-success) and ideally also provide grant-management services so the county could sustain programs after initial funding ends. One commissioner said the county has missed opportunities and should not pursue grants that require significant local match or reimbursement timing the county cannot absorb; they asked for a cautious, prioritized approach focused on grants without onerous matching requirements.
Staff and commissioners discussed alternatives: contract with a firm, hire a part-time manager later if grant-winning creates recurring programs, or pay a private grant writer on contingency. No motion or vote was taken. Commissioners asked staff to research procurement options, potential vendors, and the budget impact and to return with recommendations; they indicated they could fund initial work via a future budget transfer if needed.
