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Daniels County, city officials weigh paying $86,000 for sirens while FEMA grant remains uncertain
Summary
County commissioners and city representatives discussed whether paying Red Tail for two emergency sirens now would jeopardize a FEMA reimbursement; county staff estimated $86,000 owed and said the grant status is unresolved because equipment was purchased before the award was finalized.
County commissioners and city officials discussed an unresolved FEMA grant and payment to Red Tail for two emergency sirens during the June 15 Daniels County meeting. City representatives said one siren is installed and the county owes roughly $86,000 for purchases and installation. "We owe a total of 86,000," a participant said as the group reviewed invoices.
The group said the grant paperwork is complicated because purchases were made before the federal award was finalized. County staff explained the grant covers work "that has not been completed yet," and that because some purchases occurred before the county received funds the county could risk losing reimbursement or could get the grant adjusted to cover installation of the second siren. "It's in limbo. We could potentially lose it or get it or they could re‑award it," a county official said.
Commissioners discussed options for paying Red Tail now to settle the vendor's request and then seeking reimbursement, versus waiting for a definitive answer from FEMA. One staff member said Red Tail "really, really wants to get paid" and that year‑end budget constraints increase pressure to resolve the invoice promptly.
Officials also discussed where to locate the second siren — possible sites included the fairgrounds (near the roping barn) and the bulk water station — and whether existing concrete footings could be reused. No final decision on siting or immediate payment was made; commissioners asked staff to follow up with the county's grant contact (Pam) and to return with clarification on reimbursement eligibility.
The discussion concluded with commissioners saying they would wait for the county's grant administrator to confirm FEMA's position before committing county funds, while acknowledging the vendor's demand for payment and the county and city budget constraints.
