County to apply for Assistance to Firefighters grant for mobile command trailer; 15% match estimated at $22,000

A presenter requested permission to apply for a regional Assistance to Firefighters grant to acquire a newer mobile command vehicle to replace a nearly 20-year-old RV-sized unit. The presenter said a turnkey trailer option with radios, computers and equipment would cost roughly $150,000 and carry a 15% match, approximately $22,000. The presenter asked the board to authorize application work with a June 22 filing deadline and said the county could cover the match from the current or next fiscal year budget depending on award timing.

Supervisors asked questions about trailer size (a 38-foot trailer was discussed) and deployment logistics for search-and-rescue use. The board moved and approved the request to apply for the grant; staff will prepare the application and notify supervisors if matching funds will come from the current budget or next year's budget as appropriate.