Commissioners plan flood-monitoring sensors and authorize applying for FEMA SAFER firefighter grant

The court reviewed a Texas Water Development Board project (No. 40062) that provides a source of funds for flood early-warning monitors and potential sirens. Commissioners discussed prioritizing low-water crossings and higher‑upstream monitor locations (Comtock, La Cueva area, Valy Park, Escondido and Senagus) and asked staff to submit a prioritized list by precinct so installations can be scheduled depending on funding.

Separately, staff described a FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant the county may apply for to add firefighter positions. The grant would pay 75% of a hired firefighter’s salary for the first two years; in year three the federal share drops such that the county would be responsible for roughly 65% of the salary (meaning the grant would pay approximately 35% in year three). Commissioners authorized staff to pursue the grant and coordinate with the fire chief on the number and timing of positions to match new or planned facilities.

Staff also noted the county received roughly $210,000 under the TWDB program and that some locations will be selected by priority and available funds; sirens may not be necessary everywhere but monitors can provide early rainfall and flow data to inform local alerts.