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Commissioners approve obligation of 2022–2023 Title 3 funds for wildfire work
Summary
The board voted to obligate $7,456.85 in federal Title 3 (Secure Rural Schools/related) funds to offset a West Region Wildfire Council contract; staff said the funds must be obligated by Sept. 2026 or returned to the federal government.
San Miguel County commissioners voted Feb. 5 to obligate $7,456.85 that the county received from federal Title 3 funding for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, agreeing to apply those funds to the county's planned contract with the West Region Wildfire Council.
Finance director Ramona Rummel told the board the Title 3 funds are federal forest-related monies that are restricted to specified uses and must be obligated by Sept. 2026 or returned to the federal government. "The numbers before you, the $7,456.85 is a combination of the '22 and '23 funding," Rummel said, and staff recommended obligating the funds now to offset part of the professional services agreement with the West Region Wildfire Council for 2025.
Why it matters: Title 3 funds are restricted federal dollars tied to forest land and can be used for wildfire-related work. Using the county's Title 3 allotment to offset wildfire council costs preserves other budgeted county funds for different uses.
Background and process: Rummel explained county practice has been to coordinate Title 3 and other forest-related dollars for regional wildfire mitigation work. The board's action authorizes staff to obligate the funds and to execute any necessary documents, including signature authority for the chair.
Vote: A motion to obligate the 2022 and 2023 Title 3 funds and authorize the chair to sign related documents passed on a 3-0 voice vote.
Ending: Rummel said staff will proceed to complete the administrative steps, begin the required 45-day public comment period and return later with a resolution to formally obligate the funds for spending if public comments do not require changes.
