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Emergency manager warns of rising fire risk, outlines communications upgrades and grant plans
Summary
Emergency Manager Spradlin reported no EOC activations this year, described targeted prescribed burns, said he is coordinating a 15‑county effort to complete 800‑MHz coverage (prioritizing Goodman Point), and summarized grant prospects including EMPG and hazard‑mitigation funding and concerns about WUI code implementation.
Emergency Manager Spradlin briefed the Board of County Commissioners on fire season preparedness, radio‑communications gaps, grant prospects and concerns about implementing the state’s Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) code.
Spradlin said the county had not activated its emergency operations center this year and that most lifelines are “green.” He reported localized prescribed burns at Hay Camp Mesa and Boggy and said Ute Mountain Ute tribal lands remain under a drought disaster declaration. He told the board that a number of agencies are discussing possible Stage 1 fire restrictions before July 4 because indices show elevated heat and drying.
A major topic was communications infrastructure. Spradlin said Montezuma is part of a 15‑county package to expand the 800‑MHz radio system (phase 6). He called Goodman Point a high priority site because deep canyons can block 800‑MHz, VHF and cellular service; he said private‑land negotiations and approvals have delayed some sites and that anyone leasing or adding towers may involve lease costs. “All that infrastructure and all that cost will be covered if we get any kind of grants or congressional grants,” he said, and added that the office is pursuing grant opportunities and collaboration with neighboring counties.
He said the county expects Starlink units and a repeater in July to improve coverage and that continuity‑of‑operations plans for county buildings are largely complete (8 of the county locations done, one remaining). On federal/state grants, Spradlin said the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program remains funded nationally (he cited $312 million as a standing figure) but that states and grantees should prepare for an expected cut of about 9 percent; he asked staff to continue submitting paperwork in anticipation of a notice of funding opportunity.
Spradlin told commissioners that the previously considered Bridal grant (24) for hazard mitigation was canceled and that the county will pursue the National Disaster Mitigation Grant, which staff said requires no local match. He said the county’s Local Emergency Planning Committee will resume site visits and that integrated preparedness plans are complete for the three‑year cycle.
On WUI rules, Spradlin said adoption timelines have lengthened and implementation questions remain. He told commissioners he believes implementing the state code locally could require roughly two full‑time staff equivalents (FTEs) and significant resources, and he urged discussion with the Board and county attorney before committing to enforcement plans.
Ending: Spradlin said he will follow up with commissioners about fire‑restriction decisions, grant status and communications‑site negotiations.
