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County to obligate Title 3 funds for water-rescue gear for local search-and-rescue unit
Summary
Panama Search and Rescue asked for Title 3 funds for a Polaris UTV and water-rescue equipment; commissioners agreed to obligate $11,669.10 for water-rescue gear by September 2025 and consider the larger UTV purchase later, citing limited Title 3 balance and wildfire-season uncertainties.
Representatives from Panama Search and Rescue presented to the Lincoln County Commission on June 18 seeking Title 3 funding to replace aging equipment used for remote rescues. Training and safety officer Ryan Jones told the commission crews respond in rough terrain and at night and that several items are beyond their safe service life.
The total package requested was about $57,596, including a fully outfitted Polaris side-by-side (approximately $45,927) and water-rescue equipment ($11,669.10). Commissioners noted the remaining Title 3 balance was roughly $40,929 and discussed prioritizing immediate life-safety gear while reserving funds for the fire season.
Commissioner Durham moved to obligate funds for the water-rescue equipment and to delay the UTV purchase until September 2025 when the county has a clearer view of Title 3 and other funding availability. County forester Jennifer Nelson recommended retaining funds through the peak fire season and compiling requests for award in September; commissioners agreed the equipment obligation should be entered in September. The motion to obligate the water-rescue equipment with an obligation in September passed with a recorded objection.
What this means: Panama Search and Rescue will be awarded the water-rescue gear (obligation to be placed in September 2025), and the larger UTV request may be considered later if funds or other sources (PILT, future SRS funding) become available.
