Commissioners set Title 3 obligation for water-rescue gear for volunteer search-and-rescue

Representatives of the local volunteer search-and-rescue team told commissioners June 18 they need immediate equipment upgrades: aging gear and vehicles constrain response capability in rugged terrain and on county waters. Ryan Jones, the team’s training and safety officer, said volunteers often provide vehicles, equipment and fuel from their own resources and asked the county for Title 3 funding to buy a Polaris side-by-side outfitted for a Stokes basket and water-rescue equipment.

The organization requested a combined package of roughly $57,596 for a fully outfitted UTV and water-rescue gear. County staff reported about $40,929 available in Title 3 funds. Commissioners discussed splitting the request and retaining funds for fire-season contingencies. Commissioner Durham moved to obligate the water-rescue equipment request ($11,669.10) to be obligated by September 2025, with the UTV purchase to be considered later as funds allow; the motion was seconded and adopted.

County forester Jennifer Nelson advised prudence in spending during the fire season and suggested final allocation decisions be made in September when fund balances and fire-season needs are clearer. Search-and-rescue representatives said delayed funding could leave crews under-equipped in an active response season.

Commissioners directed staff to obligate the water-rescue equipment by the statutory deadline for Title 3 obligations and to review additional requests in September, when remaining balances and other proposals will be compiled.