County approves MOU to pursue excess federal firefighting equipment for 911

Kootenai County commissioners on June 16 approved a memorandum of understanding with the Idaho Department of Lands that allows the county to participate in the Department of Defense Federal Excess Personal Property program for firefighting.

Lieutenant Howard, speaking for the county’s dispatch/911 operation, said the agreement would allow the 911 center to claim excess federal property reserved for firefighting purposes, including mobile repeater sites towable behind trailers, some generators and potentially additional mobile dispatching units. Howard said the county qualifies because its dispatch center serves firefighters.

The board moved, seconded and approved the MOU on a roll-call vote by Commissioners Everline, Duncan and Chair Matari. The measure authorizes staff to pursue available items under the federal program; specific items and timelines were not provided during the meeting.