CEO says Zinke office opened a late grant window to help county communications; staff seeks community support letters

CEO Bill Everett told the commission he received a call offering to accept a late grant application from the office of Representative Zinke to address county communications problems tied to emergency response and fiber projects. Everett said the county missed the earlier deadline but was told the office would accept an application if submitted this week: "if you guys get me this grant application this week, I will get it in and try to get you some money," Everett said.

Everett credited staffer Toni Hofland with drafting the application and asked for five letters of community support; Hofland said the office would like the letters by Friday. Everett suggested local partners who might write letters, including the local press and former local officials, and Chairman Hart and County Attorney Morgan Smith volunteered to provide letters. The commission did not vote on a resolution or formally commit county funds at the meeting; the discussion was a request for assistance to support grant submission.