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Valley County emergency manager seeks 3% contract increase amid federal EMPG funding uncertainty
Summary
Juan, Valley County's emergency manager, asked commissioners to renew his contract with a 3% increase and warned reimbursement from the federal EMPG grant is uncertain while federal/state roles are under discussion.
During a budget workshop on June 16, Juan, Valley County's emergency manager, asked the board to approve a renewed contract identical to the current agreement but with a 3% increase for the coming year.
Juan said he meets weekly with state officials about allocation of Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) reimbursements. He reported uncertainty about about $24,715.71 in potential federal reimbursement for the current year and said the federal appropriations debate includes proposals to shift some emergency-management costs to states rather than continue federal reimbursements.
Juan described the emergency management work as high-value to the county and noted that the position coordinates across state and federal partners; he argued the requested rate increase was justified by the scope of duties and the office's regional engagement. Commissioners expressed support for continuing the emergency manager position whether reimbursements arrive or not, noting that the county must plan for the full local cost if federal funding is not forthcoming.
Staff said the contract renewal and any proposed changes will be processed through the county prosecuting attorney for legal review. Juan summarized that the overall position cost is modest relative to county needs and that the role has been instrumental in securing federal assets and incident reimbursements during recent large fires.
