Daniels County seeks clarity from FEMA after siren purchases precede award

Daniels County commissioners on June 15 pressed staff to clarify whether federal grant money can cover the installation of two community warning sirens after the vendor requested payment for equipment ordered before the county received its FEMA award. The county and city representatives said one siren is installed, the second remains uninstalled and Red Tail, the vendor, "wants to get paid," according to Sonia Southland, a city representative who introduced the issue.

The question arises because FEMA grants typically reimburse eligible work done after a grant award. County staff said purchases for the project were made before funds were formally disbursed; one commissioner noted that buying equipment ahead of award creates uncertainty about whether FEMA will later reimburse the county. Commissioners asked staff to contact the grant manager (Pam) to determine whether the project still qualifies for reimbursement or whether the county must cover vendor invoices now and seek reimbursement later.

City staff and commissioners discussed the known costs: the parties said a siren is about $78,000 and that the county owes about $86,000 to Red Tail overall. They also debated sites for the second siren, including the fairgrounds or near the roping barn, and whether the county can reuse an existing concrete footing to lower installation costs. County staff emphasized timing concerns because the county budget and city budget both carry strain at fiscal year end and the vendor expects payment.

Commissioners agreed no final decision would be made until the grant manager provides definitive guidance. In the meantime, staff will reach out to FEMA or the grant administrator to confirm whether the purchase and partial installation before the award disqualify the expenses from reimbursement, or whether the grant can be applied to the remaining installation work. The board also discussed contingency options, including using existing footings to cut costs, and noted that reuse of infrastructure might reduce the county's share if reimbursement is not available.

If FEMA confirms reimbursement is available for the unfinished work, the county said it would pursue those funds; if not, the commissioners said they would need to identify whether the city or county will cover the vendor invoice and how that payment would be budgeted before year end.