Sheridan County approves grant applications for emergency mapping, ID cards and bomb-dog support; EMPG application authorized

Sheridan County commissioners on Sept. 2 authorized staff to submit several grant applications aimed at improving emergency response and credentialing across county agencies.

Jesse, who identified himself as chair of Commerce and City Management, told the commission the first request was for a perimeter-mapping platform that would provide a live, shareable map responders could update in the field or through the emergency operations center. "This would allow us to complete that task for our citizens," Jesse said, adding the platform would help evacuation planning, reduce 911 call volumes and provide real-time status updates during wildfire, flood or hazmat incidents. The county would seek $14,000 to cover a one-year subscription.

Jesse also outlined a request to replace an outdated ID-card printer and buy supplies for 1,000 cards, at an estimated cost of $8,700, plus a $2,700 annual subscription for the card-management service. He said the county has offered the card system to multiple local agencies and volunteer departments to verify credentials during disasters and elections.

The third application would support continued regional capability for the county bomb dog, paying for monthly training and equipment. Jesse said that grant "if approved by the state is a 100% grant funds with no county match required."

In addition, Jesse reported that Sheridan County had been allocated $49,200 through the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) cycle and asked for permission to apply for those funds. He said counties typically use EMPG funds for a mix of salaries, benefits, equipment and office supplies; some counties budget EMPG for about half of emergency-management salaries and benefits. "We still have to put in for that grant funding," Jesse said; the board authorized the application.

A commissioner moved to approve submission of the perimeter-mapping and ID-card grant applications and, after a voice second, the board approved the motion by voice vote. The board separately approved the application for the bomb-dog funding and authorized submission of the EMPG application.

The approvals allow staff to complete and file the state applications; award decisions and any required future local matches will depend on grant terms and are not guaranteed.

Next steps: emergency-management staff will submit the applications and report back to the commission on results and any future budget implications.