Speaker 3 told the board on Dec. 31 that staff submitted a FEMA/Homeland Security grant application under a vehicle-acquisition category to replace aging apparatus and improve firefighting capacity. "The match, because of the size of the county, is 5%. The match would be $17,972.48," Speaker 3 said, and presented a project budget that lists $377,422 as the period total and a local request of $359,449.52.

Speaker 3 described the proposed apparatus as a 2025 Freightliner priced at roughly $375,535, with an intended 2,100-gallon tank to replace an existing 500-gallon tank. She said both of the county's current type‑1 fire trucks are old and not meeting current fire-protection standards, and that the stock truck option would shorten lead time compared with a custom build.

She summarized the NOFO timeline and logistics: the notice of funding opportunity was published in November, award decisions begin April 30 and selections continue through Sept. 30, the grant program would provide 25% up front, and stock trucks can be delivered in three to six months. The budget includes travel and lodging for two firefighters to attend factory training and to retrieve the vehicle.

Board members also noted an EMS request for an additional ambulance and discussed the trade-offs between ordering a stock ambulance (shorter delivery) versus a custom apparatus (long lead time and higher cost). Speaker 3 said custom apparatus lead times can extend beyond two years and cost multiples of a stock vehicle.

No final procurement vote was recorded at the meeting; commissioners approved routine items earlier in the session and asked staff to continue pursuing grant opportunities and to bring further details as they become available.