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County outlines use of $5.5 million emergency grant for fire stations and vehicles
Summary
County staff said a $5.5 million grant from the state Department of Public Safety will fund new fire stations and fire trucks for several districts, with purchase orders for vehicles ready and construction planning to follow; the board moved to reallocate funds and approved a budget amendment to track expenditures by station.
County staff described how a $5.5 million Department of Public Safety grant will be allocated across station construction and vehicle purchases for several volunteer departments. David Scott Earl told commissioners that purchase orders for fire apparatus are prepared and that the county is ready to order vehicles; he said turnaround for specialized fire trucks typically ranges from about one to 2.5 years.
The board approved a budget amendment to move funds into separate accounts for Kelford, Lewis/Woodville, Mary Hill/Midway and Windsor so expenditures can be tracked by project. Staff also reported that two trucks exceeded the original allotment, requiring a modest ($16,000) budget increase to cover the excess. David Scott Earl noted the grant is intended to improve hazardous-response capacity and reduce insurance classifications in underserved areas.
Separately, staff updated the board on preliminary plans for a $6.3 million 911 center that would require a county match (approximately $1.3 million) pending action in the state appropriations bill; the board was urged to monitor the state process and support funding where possible.
