Elko County Fire Board authorizes district to apply for federal, state and industry grants; explains volunteer grant process

Summary

The board authorized the Fire District to apply for federal, state, private and mining-industry grants during the fiscal year and required that any awards be returned to the board for final approval; staff said the district applies for Volunteer Fire Assistance grants on behalf of volunteer departments and typically receives $5,000–$7,500.

The Board of Fire Commissioners approved a motion July 2 allowing the Elko County Fire Protection District to apply for federal, state, private and mining-industry grants throughout the fiscal year, with a requirement that any grant awards be returned to the board for final acceptance.

Fire Chief Matt Peterson said the district routinely applies for grants on behalf of volunteer fire departments and budgets for required matches when known. He said the district typically receives Volunteer Fire Assistance funding through the Nevada Division of Forestry, which originates with the U.S. Forest Service, and that awards are generally in the $5,000 to $7,500 range. Peterson said if additional match funding would be required the district would bring that back to the board for approval before accepting awards.

The board approved the authorization by voice vote and directed staff to return to the board with award notifications and any necessary budget adjustments for matches.