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Emergency management grants approved as county trims communications staff; radios, vehicle and terrorism‑task force funding cleared
Summary
The county approved several homeland‑security and emergency‑management grant applications while the emergency management office said federal grant cuts forced elimination of a deputy communications specialist role.
The Board of County Commissioners approved a package of grant applications for emergency management while the county acknowledged staffing reductions caused by reduced federal grant funding.
Kate, the county’s emergency management presenter, told commissioners that the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) was cut by 40 percent and that as a result the deputy coordinator communications specialist position will be eliminated. Kate said the change will not directly reduce the department’s ability to operate but will affect support for other county departments, including the sheriff’s office and Road and Bridge. Kate said a new administrative assistant may help cover some duties and the county will explore contracting to maintain radio upgrades.
Commissioners approved an EMPG application to fund the emergency management coordinator position; the presenter’s figure for the grant was $54,919, while the motion recorded $54,917 (transcript contains both values). The board also approved a Wyoming Office of Homeland Security grant application in the amount of $75,480.08 to support purchase of mobile and portable radios for first responders, and a second homeland security application for $61,253 to purchase and outfit a 2,500‑series truck to carry emergency equipment.
Separately, commissioners approved a State Homeland Security Program application not to exceed $175,000 to begin establishing a terrorism task force with equipment and training. Kate said the grant request excludes firearms, ammunition and an armored vehicle; the motion and supporting spreadsheet removed those items from the county’s request to the state.
Commissioners asked follow‑up questions about who will program and support radios in the field and where gaps created by the staffing reduction will be filled. Kate said the county uses Motorola radios under a state discount contract and will consider a contract between emergency management and the sheriff’s office for radio maintenance.
All the items were approved by voice vote during the meeting.
