Search‑and‑rescue group requests Title III funds; commissioners agree to obligate water‑rescue gear by September

Representatives of Panama Search and Rescue asked Lincoln County commissioners June 18 for Title III funds to replace aging search‑and‑rescue equipment, including a fully outfitted Polaris side‑by‑side and water‑rescue gear.

Ryan Jones, the training and safety officer for the group, told the commission the unit responds across difficult terrain and relies heavily on volunteers and aging equipment; the total request package was about $57,596. Team members Robin Brown (treasurer) and Travis Fischer (ice‑rescue trainer) were present and described frequent responses in remote terrain and the need for a vehicle adaptable to carry a Stokes basket for patient extraction.

Commissioners and the county forester, Jennifer Nelson, discussed splitting the request because the county’s Title III fund balance available that moment was about $40,929 and the fully outfitted UTV price listed was about $45,927. Commissioner Durham moved to approve obligating the water‑rescue equipment cost of $11,669.10 to be obligated in September if not funded immediately; the motion was seconded and carried with the commission noting prudence in retaining funds for the upcoming fire season while meeting urgent equipment needs.

The board asked staff to compile Title III proposals and to revisit allocations in September when the county can better assess available balances for fire‑season needs.