Board approves $5,000 match for Sandy Ridge Fire Department water skid

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors approved a $5,000 county match request for Sandy Ridge Fire Department to complete payment on a 200-gallon water skid ordered to replace an out-of-service brush truck skid. Sandy Ridge Chief Dale Mullins told the board the water skid cost $16,226.42 and that the department had received a $5,000 donation from Enbridge earmarked for the purchase. Mullins said the brush truck had repeatedly needed repairs and the department sought to install a modern, multipurpose skid on a three-quarter-ton pickup to improve response to brush and remote calls. Mullins said the skid includes a five-gallon foam reservoir and storage for rescue gear. Board members initially debated whether approving an expenditure at the meeting violated the county's policy limiting out-of-cycle expenditures; legal counsel was not present. After discussion, a motion was made to rescind the county policy for this item so the board could act. The board then approved a motion to allocate $5,000 to match the Enbridge donation; members voting in favor said the county had previously undertaken responsibility for some maintenance and equipment assistance to volunteer departments. Mullins told the board Sandy Ridge would cover remaining costs and that the department held about $78,000 in its bank account. The board indicated it would draw the funds from the same matching pool used for other rescue-squad and equipment matches and that the expenditure would be reported as part of the county's regular grants and contributions.