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Council approves AED and mobile rescue purchases; department to reimburse general fund from Act 833 grant
Summary
The council approved purchases of AED units and mobile rescue equipment for the fire department and agreed to pay from the general fund up front, with staff saying the city will be reimbursed when annual Act 833 grant funds are issued.
The Helena City Council approved purchases of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and mobile rescue equipment for the fire department and authorized payment from the city general fund with planned reimbursement from Act 833 grant funds when they arrive.
City staff described two line items in the packet: an AED package listed at $5,348.09 (including taxes) and a mobile rescue four-pack item listed in the packet at $1,876.63 each for two additional units. Staff said the department’s Act 833 grant funds could cover the purchases but that the cash flow timing required using the general fund now and returning the funds when the Act 833 allocation is received, which staff estimated would be about 30 days.
Supporters said the equipment is needed to respond to cardiac and other rescue emergencies; a council member noted the purchase was about saving lives. A motion to approve paying the invoices from the general fund, with reimbursement when Act 833 funds become available, was moved and seconded and then carried by council voice/roll call.
Council discussion also included confirmation that the equipment had not yet been received and a reminder that final reimbursement depends on receipt of the Act 833 funds. The council did not amend the purchase; staff will process payment and seek reimbursement once grant funds are released.
