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Emergency management warns of possible FEMA changes and late 911 bill affecting counties
Summary
At the May 20 meeting Black Hawk County emergency management officials warned FEMA funding changes and a last-minute state bill affecting 911 services could jeopardize local emergency funding and planning; officials said they are coordinating with regional partners and seeking executive attention.
Black Hawk County emergency management officials told the Board of Supervisors on May 20 they face uncertainty from potential federal changes to FEMA and a late addition to a state bill affecting 9‑1‑1 services.
Mindy from Emergency Management told the board that county EMA funding could be affected if the federal government reorganizes or diminishes FEMA’s role. “We have a lot of unknowns we're facing this year as we head into the disaster time of year with severe weather. And I have a lot of concerns,” she said, adding the county is preparing for the upcoming severe‑weather season.
Board members raised a separate concern about a last‑minute line item added to a state appropriations bill that, as described in the meeting, would allow the state to assess counties for “undefined reasonable costs” for 9‑1‑1 services. A board member described the language as “very vague” and said the county and regional partners organized a coalition and press conference in Des Moines to urge gubernatorial attention and a potential line‑item veto for that portion of the bill.
County officials have contacted state associations and participated in regional coordination to press for clearer guidance. Mindy urged supervisors and department heads to contact her office for details and said local planning and disaster response could change if federal and state funding responsibilities shift.
Why it matters: changes to FEMA funding or a new state billing authority for 9‑1‑1 services would affect the county’s emergency preparedness, grant eligibility and budgeting for the disaster season. County officials framed the matter as ongoing advocacy and intergovernmental coordination rather than a resolved policy change.
Officials said they will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with statewide associations and the governor’s office.
