City Council authorizes staff to apply for regional firefighter grants for portable radios and AEDs

On June 15, 2026 the City Council authorized staff to apply for regional firefighter grant funding through Resolution 26-6-2905 to replace portable radios and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Chief Jerry, appearing remotely, said two regional AFD grants were available — one administered by Mount Horeb Fire Department to bring portable radios to the dual-band standard Dane County is moving toward, and one administered by Black Earth Fire Department to replace expired AEDs. He said the portable-radio request would cover about 34 hand-held units and carry a 10% local match; Chief Jerry estimated the city’s share would be roughly $8,000 should the grant be awarded and said the replacement program would save roughly $120,000 over the life of the project. On AEDs, he said the regional application would include seven units and that the city’s share would be about $1,500 rather than the approximately $2,000 per unit it would cost to buy them outright.

“This is just simply asking for authorization to write for the grant,” Chief Jerry said, adding that applying does not obligate the city to spend money now and that any awarded grant would require finance committee and council approval before funds are accepted.

A council member moved to approve the authorization and a second followed; the motion carried with the members present saying “aye.” No council member recorded a dissenting vote on the floor.

The council’s action authorizes staff to prepare and submit applications for the two regional grants. Final acceptance of any award and any required local match will be subject to subsequent review and appropriation by the city’s finance processes.