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Washington County to accept $48,000 grant for 9-1-1 language interpretation services
Summary
The Board approved submitting an application and accepting an awarded $48,000 grant from the Emergency Number System Board to fund language line services at the county 9-1-1 center through fiscal year 2026.
Washington County commissioners approved submission of a grant application to the Emergency Number System Board and agreed to accept $48,000 in funding to continue language interpretation services at the county 9-1-1 communications center.
Richard Lesh, grant manager in the Office of Grant Management, told the board the grant would “fund the language line services through fiscal year 2026.” Allen Mazini, director of emergency management communications, described the language line as “a valuable tool” for the 9-1-1 center given the county’s multilingual callers.
The board voted to approve submission of the application and to accept funding as awarded. Commissioners indicated approval by voice vote during the agenda item.
Why it matters: Language interpretation helps emergency dispatchers communicate with callers who do not speak English, a capability officials said is critical to public safety. The grant covers interpretation costs through FY26 and ensures continuity of service while the county pursues longer-term budget planning.
The board did not identify any matching requirement or operational changes tied to the grant during the meeting.
