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County delays buying storm siren to avoid jeopardizing state/FEMA grant; ARPA allocation at risk
Summary
Communications Director Tim Mikrut told the board that purchasing sirens before grant approval could jeopardize the application and state/FEMA funding; commissioners instructed staff to await grant outcomes and prepare backup funding options for the project.
Communications Director Tim Mikrut updated the Crawford County Board of Commissioners on June 2 about the county’s storm‑siren grant application and warned that buying equipment or breaking ground before final grant approvals would risk forfeiting state or FEMA funding tied to the project. Mikrut said FEMA has resumed processing requests but could not guarantee approval timelines; he recommended holding off on purchases and preparing a backup funding plan if the state cannot obligate funds before the ARPA allocation expires.
Commissioners discussed the cost of individual sirens (Mikrut estimated roughly $35,000 per unit) and asked whether siting a siren outside a location included in the current grant application would avoid altering the proposal. Mikrut said adjustments to the application would risk the broader project because the command system — the central element of the grant application — could be jeopardized if the scope changes. Commissioner Bruce Blair asked staff to research alternate siting and funding options; Commissioner Carl Wood said he had previously promised a siren for Opolis and urged the board to consider that commitment while protecting the grant opportunity. County Counselor Jim Emerson confirmed that reallocating the ARPA funds would not be permitted without following the original allocation requirements.
The board recessed into a related executive session on personnel matters for Communications and reconvened with no action taken. The commission asked Mikrut to return with specific recommendations for backup funding and siting that would not imperil the grant application.
Why it matters: The county risks losing substantial external funding for a multi‑community siren and command‑system project if it proceeds prematurely; the decision balances near‑term public‑safety equipment needs against the potential loss of larger grant dollars.
Next steps: Communications staff will prepare recommendations on siting, backup funding sources and timing that protect the grant application; commissioners will not authorize purchases that could alter the approved application.
