Committee recognizes $689,655 NextGen 911 grant, carries over EMS funds and removes sunset on EMS positions; Fire Bureau reports spike in structure fires

Washington County Public Safety Director Glen Gosnell asked the committee on March 3 to recognize two grant items and a staffing pattern change tied to EMS operations. The committee moved to recognize an Emergency Services IP Network (NextGen 911) grant for $689,655 and to forward the item to the Finance Committee. It also approved carrying over $343,305.20 in unspent EMS Support grant funds to the 2026 budget; Gosnell said the state may extend the grant, and ten other counties face the same timing question. Both motions were moved by Mr. O’Brien, seconded by Mr. Hahn and adopted.

Gosnell also requested removing the sunset on EMS positions that were scheduled to lapse at month’s end, noting that county budget funding is now available in addition to grant funds. Committee members moved to forward the staffing‑pattern change to the Personnel Committee (staffing changes require a Board resolution); the motion was moved by Mr. O’Brien, seconded by Mr. Herrick and adopted.

Deputy Public Safety Director Tim Hardy and Fire Coordinator Glen Bristol reported operational concerns in the Fire Bureau: through February the county had 20 fires (17 structure, three vehicle), and Hardy said roughly half the structure fires had no working smoke detectors. Hardy encouraged residents to contact Public Safety or the Red Cross home fire safety program for detector installation assistance. Bristol raised concerns that increased heating costs may be driving unsafe indoor burning or uninspected wood/pellet stove installations. Public Safety said it will prepare a public service announcement and coordinate with local fire departments and the Red Cross on detector distribution and education.