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Daniels County debates fire truck and equipment funding as commissioners approve raises and audit contract
Summary
Commissioners reviewed fire-department funding options and equipment priorities, discussed vehicle ownership with local fire districts, approved an audit contract, voiced support for tribal highway grant applications, and approved a 76-cent raise for hourly employees.
Daniels County commissioners spent a substantial portion of their July 21 meeting on fire-department needs, equipment priorities and budget controls, and concluded the session by approving personnel pay adjustments and routine contracts.
Fire officials described a prioritized equipment need: their top item is acquiring a serviceable fire truck that fits the fire hall; the department is holding roughly $33,000 in contributions and discussed moving carryover funds into an equipment account (940) toward a truck. The fire chief said some equipment purchases can be reimbursed through grants but warned that grant reimbursement is contingent on submitting expense reports. ‘‘If you keep spending money out of it, you're not going to ever save it,’’ a commissioner said, urging stricter monthly budget reviews.
Commissioners and staff also discussed mutual-aid arrangements, vehicle ownership complications with the Peerless Fire District, and the status of a county vehicle (a 1993 GMC 3500) currently insured by the county. Staff agreed to email DNRC/other contacts to clarify transfer or repair options for several vehicles.
On routine business the board approved a standard multi-year audit contract for Olness (estimated tiered costs noted at roughly $38,000–$41,000) and unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-8 to adjust elected-official wages per the compensation board. Commissioners also voted to send a letter supporting tribal and state grant funds for Highway 13 improvements and approved a 76-cent raise for all hourly employees, with the understanding commissioners will continue to review compensation structures.
What’s next: fire leadership will deliver a prioritized equipment list to the county by next meeting; staff will send requested reports on donations and vehicle ownership; the county will proceed with the audit contract and the CIP/grant tasks authorized earlier in the meeting.
