Finance committee approves two grant appropriations for fire gear and behavioral health docket

The Lynchburg Finance Committee unanimously approved two grant-related budget actions at its Dec. 9 meeting: an application/appropriation for gear extractors for the fire department and an appropriation of a State Opioid Response award for the behavioral health docket.

Interim Chief Wright asked the committee to approve a $30,000 application to the 2026 Virginia Department of Fire mini-grant program to buy two gear extractors to replace machines that the department said are about 20 years old. Wright said one extractor has already failed and that the department expects $1,500–$2,000 in shipping and setup costs that would not be covered by the grant. Battalion Chief Jennifer Collins was identified as the health and safety officer who helped spearhead the application. A committee motion to approve the application passed by voice vote.

Ally Smith, docket coordinator for the behavioral health docket, reported the State Opioid Response program awarded Lynchburg $39,954 to fund treatment, training and supplies. Smith asked the committee to amend the budget to appropriate the award; a member moved and the committee approved the appropriation by unanimous voice vote.

Both approvals were recorded by the committee as standard budget amendments. Staff said the opioid award amendment will appear on the committee/City Council agenda in January for formal appropriation. No member voiced opposition during debate.

Next steps: if the council follows the committee recommendations, staff will finalize appropriation language and reconcile any grant-related reimbursements with the general fund as needed.