Budget committee refers $308,000 body‑armor expansion for vote after unanimous committee approval

Deputy Director Frank Fris presented agency financials through September and proposed a budget expansion to purchase updated, neutrally buoyant body armor for wildlife officers.

Fris reported the wetland acquisition fund balance at $23,800,000 and the wildlife fund around $70,000,000 (noting an additional $5 million pending). He said current vests have end‑of‑service issues and the new system will accept soft armor and removable hard plates designed to be neutrally buoyant.

Fris asked for budget authority to cover an initial FY26 purchase of $308,000 with additional purchases in FY27 and FY28 to complete the replacement cycle; he said the agency expects wetland‑fund reimbursement for eligible portions. The budget committee moved to approve and refer the expansion for a full commission vote tomorrow; the committee recorded a voice vote in favor and referred the item.

Next steps: the referred budget expansion will be on the full commission agenda for a vote the following day.