During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the underutilization of allocated funds for search and rescue operations, emphasizing the need for better management and accountability. A council member highlighted that the current funding levels are not being fully tapped, stating, \"we're leaving way more funds on the table.\" The conversation revealed that only a small percentage of search and rescue calls are related to Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) users, raising concerns about the appropriate allocation of OHV funds.

Council members expressed a commitment to ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes, with one member noting the importance of adhering to established guidelines to avoid potential legal issues. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by non-motorized user groups in securing funding for search and rescue operations, with calls for a reevaluation of grant applications to better accommodate these communities.

The meeting underscored the necessity for a consistent approach to funding distribution, particularly as the council aims to address the needs of various user groups while maintaining fiscal responsibility. As the council moves forward, there is a clear intent to refine the application process and ensure that all funding requests are thoroughly vetted and justified.