Finance committee approves FEMA grant resolution to replace Vernon County backup generators

The Vernon County Finance Committee on Thursday voted 4-0 to approve Resolution 2023-43, authorizing the county to apply for a FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant to replace backup generators at the Courthouse, Banta, Vernon Manor and Erlandson buildings and to add a new generator for Vernon Acres.

Grants Officer Amy Oliver said the draft application targets emergency shelter capacity and critical facilities. She told the committee the project is estimated at about $600,000 and that the county would be responsible for a 12.5% match; municipalities that join the application would be responsible for their own 12.5% matching share. A draft memorandum of understanding to govern municipal cost-sharing will be prepared by Corporation Counsel and brought back for review.

Kay Stanek moved to approve the resolution; Mary Meehan-Strub seconded the motion, which passed 4-0-0 with one supervisor absent. The application deadline cited by staff is June 30; the committee directed staff to finalize the application materials and the MOU for subsequent review.

If the grant is awarded, the county expects to replace aging generators at the named facilities and install the new unit at Vernon Acres to strengthen local emergency sheltering and continuity of services. The committee did not commit funding beyond approving the application and the principle of using a 12.5% local match; municipalities choosing to participate must confirm their match contributions before finalizing any cost-sharing agreement.