Bonner County approves state grant, will match $21,000 to buy waterways tow vehicle

Bonner County commissioners approved a resolution authorizing acceptance of a $49,000 state grant to buy a waterways maintenance tow vehicle and agreed to provide the required $21,000 local match.

Parks and Waterways Director Matt Zola told the board the award, combined with the match, would allow purchase of a $70,000 tow vehicle to support field maintenance and emergency response. Zola described the vehicle as a one‑ton crew‑cab pickup required because of the weight of the boat and trailer the county hauls. He told the board the department plans to buy a used one‑ton pickup “just a few years old” to stretch dollars while meeting weight requirements.

Under the approved resolution (2025‑44) the match will be $10,000 from Parks & Waterways’ FY25 budget and $11,000 from the county’s general fund contingency. Zola said the FY25 contingency account held roughly $395,000 and the $11,000 transfer would allow the department to begin shopping before October 1, 2025.

During public comment a member of the public asked whether used vehicles had been considered; Zola answered that used trucks were expected to provide better fiscal value and that the department planned for a low‑mileage, used one‑ton crew cab to meet weight requirements. The board also discussed timing options: accept the grant and start shopping now using contingency funds or accept the grant and wait until FY26 to fund purchase.

A motion to accept the grant and appropriate the matching funds passed on roll call; the transcript records the vote as “Yes. Vote carries.” The resolution directs the clerk and relevant departments to finalize the acceptance and to proceed with procurement under county purchasing rules.

Commissioners and staff said the vehicle is expected to improve operational efficiency by reducing the need to use two vehicles for site visits and by lowering fuel and maintenance costs over time.