Wright County search-and-rescue leader asks board to consider equipment funding next fiscal year

Tony Alton, a Wright County Search and Rescue volunteer, told the Board of Supervisors he will retire later this year and urged the county to consider funding replacements for personal protective equipment used by the volunteer team.

Alton said the team has 16 helmets and that about half show rust; two of the unit's Mustang suits are leaking and two slickwater suits are needed. He estimated costs at roughly $800 per Mustang suit, about $600 per water suit and $80'$130 per helmet. He asked the board to consider matching funds from a charitable grant application planned for the fall and said the county's local search-and-rescue fund currently holds $3,114.

Auditor Amanda Meyer and other board members discussed timing: since there is no budgeted expenditure left in the current fiscal year, the board agreed it could include potential funding in the next fiscal-year budget. A supervisor said the county fund historically comes from donations and that the auditor's office can process an invoice when the team identifies specific purchases.

Why it matters: Volunteers provide search-and-rescue coverage across Wright County. The equipment Alton described—helmets and water/ rescue suits—are used in risky responses and require replacement when damaged or leaking.

No formal appropriation was made at the meeting. Board members told Alton they would consider adding the request to the next fiscal-year budget and advised him to submit invoices and documentation to the auditor's office so the county can process payments if funds are approved.

Alton thanked the board and received assurances the request would be considered with the next budget cycle.