Somerset County reviews spring 2026 matching grant applications; commissioners flag paramedic funding and equipment requests

Somerset County commissioners held a preliminary workshop on the spring 2026 community benefit matching grant applications, hearing from nonprofits and towns seeking county matching funds for equipment, facility repairs and new programming. Commissioners emphasized this meeting was for discussion and that formal votes on awards would occur later.

Kanan Fire Department requested funds to replace three self-contained breathing apparatus units and cylinders. A fire chief said the department is upgrading from older 2.2 tanks to 4.5 tanks for “more air, more time and less weight,” and estimated the work for three units at roughly $30,000–$32,000; the department reported a fleet of 12 SCBAs and replaces them incrementally. Commissioners asked whether the replacements were state‑mandated and what alternative funding sources the town would pursue if the county did not fund the request.

The Mercer Historical Society asked for $10,000 to repair and replace windows, fix an exterior staircase and remove an obsolete chimney on an 1800s history house. Jeff, a board member representing the society, said the building has received previous county support and that the group has raised private funds but still needs county matching dollars to complete the next phase of repairs.

Representatives from Jackman, Moose River and Dennistown described a regional paramedic program launched in 2021 that embeds a paramedic to support local basic life support ambulance services and provide community paramedicine. Town manager and program director Rick Petri said much of current funding comes from local property tax and that the program cannot bill routinely for many “treat and no transport” calls. Commissioners and petitioners discussed program scale and sustainability; one presenter estimated the core program costs at roughly $80,000–$90,000 annually and, when county and town shares were combined for multiple communities, suggested a county exposure in the range of $135,000. Petitioners said they are pursuing state and federal reimbursement changes to reduce recurring county requests.

Richard Davis, representing the nonprofit that acquired the historic BU theater in Pittsfield, said the organization has raised close to $100,000 in private donations and is seeking county matching funds to renovate bathrooms, doors and other elements so the 253‑seat venue can reopen as an arts and education space.

Other applications discussed included a request from the East Pond Association for a scientific data buoy (2024 quote ~$15,971) to monitor algae and oxygen levels ahead of a possible multi‑million dollar treatment; West Forks Fire Department’s request for new radios and a partial replacement of a 1978 forestry truck; a Holland Drug proposal to subsidize prescription home‑delivery service to remote residents; Somerset Woods Trustees’ request to support a land acquisition; and several town requests for heat pumps, generators and other routine capital items.

Commissioners asked staff to verify matches and outstanding conditions on prior awards (several applicants have previously received funds and some need to submit invoices before receiving the remainder). The board approved separate administrative resolutions on the treasurer’s warrant and moved two procedural votes: a $7,678 award to the Forks Chamber of Commerce from the prior round and extensions of award deadlines for Madison Public Library and a hospice volunteer training program to Sept. 3. Final action on most spring 2026 applications was deferred so commissioners can review packets and follow up on outstanding documentation.

Next steps: commissioners said they will consider resolutions on individual applications at a future meeting once staff confirms matching documentation, invoice status and any required project extensions.