Board tables $5,000 request for first-responder mental-health speaker pending legal review

The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors on Monday voted to table a $5,000 funding request from the Woodbury County Fire Association to bring keynote speaker Travis House for a mental-health training aimed at first responders and spouses.

The association's organizers said they already secured $10,000 from a private donor and needed an additional $5,000 to guarantee the speaker for a May 2026 event. The session would be targeted to first responders and their spouses; organizers emphasized it would not be open to the general public.

"It's not just for firemen, this is for all first responders, this is for nurses, spouses, military," said a promoter of the event, explaining the plan to invite personnel across the tri-state region. The organizers described the program as training and outreach to help responders manage mental-health challenges and post-traumatic stress rather than a public fundraising event.

Board members raised questions about the appropriate funding source and legal limits on county payments to nonprofit organizations. County Attorney Joshua (last name not specified in the public record) and other supervisors noted that if county funds are used, the state auditor expects a public purpose and a contract with measurable deliverables rather than an unrestricted donation. Supervisors discussed potential funding through gaming revenues or the county's opioid settlement fund and noted Exhibit A of the settlement packet includes provisions for wellness and support services for first responders.

Supervisor Matthew (surname in record not specified) proposed that the board consider paying for staff time (PTO) for county employees who would attend as part of their job duties; that approach has been used previously for county-supported training. Supervisors asked the county attorney to review whether the county may legally provide money to a nonprofit for this purpose or whether the opioid settlement fund could be used.

After the discussion the board voted to table the request for one week so staff and the county attorney could confirm permissible funding and any required contract language. Supervisor Nelson moved to table; the motion was seconded by Vintner and passed 5-0.

Organizers said they could bring the item back next week and that, if approved, the event would be scheduled in May 2026 to align with Mental Health Awareness Month. The association said a local donor had already committed a $10,000 payment and that the planned event would be free to invited first responders and spouses across the tri-state area.