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Veterans group asks Spokane County to add 988 emblems to county vehicles; commissioners ask staff for cost estimate
Summary
A Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs representative asked Spokane County to place 988 crisis-line emblems on county vehicles; commissioners directed staff to identify eligible vehicles and estimate costs for board review.
Holly Stingline, suicide-prevention program specialist with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, asked Spokane County on June 24 to approve purchase and placement of 988 crisis-line emblems on county vehicles as a public sign of support for crisis services.
Stingline said the 988 lifeline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and that emblems exist for license-plate attachment: "Adding these to county vehicles sends a powerful message that Spokane County is committed to mental health, to destigmatizing crisis support, and to being there for our community," she said. She gave a per-emblem cost of $10 plus a one-time $8 processing fee and said monies from emblem purchases support local prevention programs focused on veterans and their families.
Board discussion: Commissioners asked staff for the number of county-owned vehicles and which fleets would be appropriate for emblems (public-works and other frequently seen vehicles were cited as priorities). County staff estimated public-works vehicles in the "200 range" and said law-enforcement and undercover vehicles would likely be excluded for operational reasons. Commissioner discussion referenced Liberty Lake and Lacey, Washington, where local jurisdictions have previously placed emblems on vehicles.
Action and funding: Commissioner Scott (surname in transcript "Scott") moved to direct staff to identify eligible vehicles and return to the board with an estimate of cost for purchase; the board indicated it would fund the purchase from veteran-services program funds rather than general reserves. County staff said Spokane County’s veteran-services budget could cover initial purchases for up to about 200 emblems; staff also noted the Department of Licensing maintains emblem stock but may require advance notice for large orders.
Next steps: The board directed County fleet staff (Mister Simmons) to compile eligible-vehicle counts and an estimated price and report back to the commissioners. Commissioners signaled support for the initiative but did not record a final purchase vote during the briefing.
Ending: Commissioners said they supported the visibility and veteran-focused funding model and requested a follow-up estimate and vehicle list before final authorization.
