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Commissioners hear extended concerns about fire truck, radios and budgeting for fire response
Summary
Daniels County commissioners spent substantial time on fire department needs, including a misaligned microwave radio link that has reduced radio reliability, a priority to acquire or build a fire truck, and options to fund equipment through contributions, the 940 machinery fund or a ballot mill levy increase.
Commissioners and fire department representatives devoted a lengthy portion of the July 21 meeting to public-safety readiness, focusing on radio communications, apparatus availability and budget constraints.
Neil and other staff reported that a microwave link serving the county’s radio system appears to be aimed at the KCGM radio tower rather than the county receiver, which they said helps explain recent degraded radio performance. Staff discussed progress toward fiber connectivity for the new system and vendor scheduling delays for equipment installation.
Fire department priorities included acquiring or building a fire truck that fits the department’s hall, replacing worn hoses and pumps (some inventory is in storage), and addressing recurring vehicle maintenance costs. The department reported a contributions account (fund 2341) with roughly $33,000 in cash on hand and a roughly $10,000 carryover tied to grant reimbursements; the group reviewed options to transfer funds into the county’s machinery account (940) or consider a mill-levy measure to finance a truck purchase.
Commissioners urged tighter monthly budget reporting and clearer purchase approvals for the department; they asked the fire chief (department representative) to provide a prioritized equipment list and to work with staff on how best to use fund balances and grants. Mutual-aid agreements and vehicle ownership questions (Peerless Fire District vs. county ownership for certain units) were raised and flagged for follow-up.
Why it matters: Reliable radios and adequate apparatus are essential for coordinated emergency response in rural counties; equipment and communication shortfalls can affect response times and volunteer safety.
What happens next: The county will pursue repair or realignment of the microwave link, continue work to migrate radios to fiber where feasible, ask the fire department to provide a prioritized equipment list, and direct staff to provide monthly budget detail to the department.
