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Marine patrol budget trimmed to historical levels; grants expected to cover planned equipment work
Summary
The county reviewed marine patrol revenue and expenses, trimming some lines to historical averages while noting grant revenue will fund sonar and motor replacements.
Bonner County commissioners reviewed the marine patrol budget and recommended aligning several lines with historical spending while noting grant revenue will offset some equipment upgrades.
Staff said marine patrol revenue has trended downward in recent years and proposed lowering recurring lines to match that trend. The department anticipates about $85,000 in grant revenue next year, including funding for motor replacements and sonar equipment; staff said about $11,000 in additional grant revenues have been identified but cautioned that those grants are not certain until awarded. Commissioners approved trimming travel and some supplies lines to historical averages but asked the marine deputy to provide itemized justifications for proposed equipment purchases (sonar upgrades, radios, small parts) so the board can evaluate requests in advance of final budget adoption.
Marine patrol staff also noted operating seasonality and that some federal grant reimbursements and surpluses held by the boat program can be used as a contingency if grant receipts are lower than anticipated. Commissioners asked staff to clarify which expenses are fully grant-funded, which are supported by user-fee revenue, and how carryover funds would be applied if needed.
