The Osceola County Board of Supervisors voted to engage 2 Rivers for its next five-year multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan and to designate the county emergency management director and the county auditor as authorized representatives for the project.

The move followed discussion of vendor options and the regional approach. The board approved the procurement of 2 Rivers' individual county proposal after staff explained that neighboring counties (Sioux and O'Brien) were using the same vendor, and the state-approved vendor list limited choices.

Why it matters: Hazard-mitigation plans are required to maintain eligibility for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard-mitigation grant programs. The board was told the county's share of the consultant cost should be about 15 percent after expected FEMA/state reimbursement; staff recommended appointing local authorized representatives to manage the application and grant administration.

Board action and next steps: Supervisors approved the 2 Rivers individual-county bid and then approved a motion identifying the emergency management director and the county auditor as the county's authorized representatives for the plan application and administration. Staff said the county would submit a notice of interest to open the application and then complete the formal application with the approved vendor.

Background and details: Staff said FEMA reimburses a substantial portion of consultant costs under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and that typical reimbursement levels would reduce the county's net consultant expense to about 15 percent of the contract price. The board discussed whether one county should act as fiscal agent for a joint submission; staff reported O'Brien and Sioux counties planned separate submissions with 2 Rivers and recommended Osceola follow the same vendor for consistency.

Where the matter goes next: Staff will file the formal application with 2 Rivers, complete required vendor/appointment paperwork, and return to the board with any resolution or local-match requirements for final signatures.