Churchill County Emergency Manager Rich Ingram presented the emergency management budget during the Feb. 19 county commission budget hearings, explaining that an increase in the department’s request is largely tied to grant funding rather than new spending. The Churchill County Emergency Management department is responsible for providing public support, logistics support for first responders, and coordinating shelter and evacuation during emergencies.
Ingram explained that the Emergency Management department receives several grants, including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG). The EMPG grant requires a 50% match, explaining the budget increase. Ingram also noted that Churchill County now receives additional federal emergency management funds after coordinating with the City of Fallon, which previously declined some grant allocations.
Assistant County Manager Joe Sanford explained a proposed change in how the county will budget for grant funds across departments. Salaries funded by grants will still appear in the budget with corresponding revenue offsets, but equipment and supply purchases tied to grants will only budget the required match. If grants are received later, the expenditures will be adjusted accordingly. Sanford noted that, if approved, this change would become standard practice for all county departments.
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