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Calhoun County accepts $248,230 emergency training grant; commissioner faults state procurement rule
Summary
The board approved a $248,230.02 grant for community emergency response training but Commissioner Moore raised concerns about $228-per-pack costs and a state requirement for American-made backpacks, calling the requirement wasteful and requesting follow-up with the state.
The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners voted Jan. 5 to accept $248,230.02 in community emergency response training funding from the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division.
Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Utterback said the grant supports training for county first responders and that, with assistance from a colleague, equipment expenditures were reduced and the county could purchase additional items with the savings. The board authorized the chairman to execute the agreement.
Commissioner Moore questioned the cost breakdown for individual equipment, noting the meeting minutes showed an itemized backpack and contents at $228 each while similar backpacks could be purchased for about $57. "I believe the requirement is a grievous waste of taxpayers' funds," Moore said, referring to the state requirement that the backpacks be American made. Utterback said he had contacted the state to ask whether the State Police could supply the backpacks and would forward the state's response to commissioners.
Why it matters: The grant will fund training for county responders that could improve readiness, but procurement constraints tied to state grant requirements may increase per-unit costs and affect how grant funds are spent.
Next steps: Emergency Management staff will follow up with the Michigan State Police on whether the State Police can supply backpacks or otherwise waive the procurement restriction; county purchasing will proceed consistent with grant terms once state guidance is received.
