Gilliam County approves $1.19 million in capital investment grants, discusses fire‑service vehicle funding

The Gilliam County Court on Dec. 3 approved capital investment grants for fiscal year 2025‑26 totaling $1,192,074, endorsing recommendations from the county’s grant review committee.

County staff presented the committee’s recommendations and noted several projects across the county. Casey Zellers, operations chief for Gilliam County Fire Services, described a vehicle replacement need and said the fire service had established a reserve and planned to supplement grant funds by selling the old truck and using other reserves if necessary. Zellers said the under‑sheriff’s fully outfitted pickup (a 2024 Ram 2500 with about 8,000 miles) might also be available and could meet the need.

Commissioners pressed on funding options and whether to fully fund the fire service’s $45,009.88 request. One commissioner said the county could include language in grant notes committing to find the remainder if partner funding didn’t come through. After discussion, a motion to approve the capital investment grants package was moved and seconded and carried.

The court’s approval covers multiple applicants cited in the committee packet, including local fire districts, municipal projects, community centers and infrastructure work. Commissioners thanked applicants and the grant committee for their work and said they wanted to ensure the funded projects are completed before considering additional requests.

Next steps: staff will implement the approved grants and coordinate any follow‑up conditions or reimbursements required by the grant agreements.