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9.10:00 A.M. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING REQUEST FROM <br /> FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR ARPA FUNDS TO PURCHASE AIR PACKS - Mr. Sorensen <br /> stated that he was approached by some of the rural fire districts regarding some ARPA <br /> funds. They had applied for a million dollar grant to purchase the air packs but were <br /> declined. They are looking for some assistance he wanted to bring this forward <br /> Todd King representing the fire districts said they are asking for $40,000 for each <br /> department. He said that during COVID they experienced a significant number of <br /> expenses for PPE, disinfectants and other expenses. He said that the normal fund <br /> raising projects were also cut because of COVID. All of the department look for ways to <br /> cut costs. The mutual aid group applied for a grant but were unsuccessful. These air <br /> packs are a vital piece of equipment that they use and not only for fires but also for <br /> medical calls. <br /> In 2017 Wood River started purchasing these air packs and with the new technology <br /> that is available they are vital pieces of equipment. Wood River, Doniphan, Cairo, <br /> Shelton and Grand Island Rural fire departments have all requested to purchase the air <br /> packs. They felt that the COVID dollars would be a good place or these purchases <br /> because there funding was cut by the COVID issues. <br /> Scott noted that this may be a good place to use some of the funding. Each department <br /> is asking for $40 000.00 it would also address some of the lost funding. He feels that <br /> this is a need and the air packs if they would qualify. The packs have to be certified and <br /> are only good for 15 years. The fire departments do not receive any ARPA funding and <br /> he would like to see the board move forward with this. <br /> Mr. King stated that they have worked with the manufacture to get the best pricing. <br /> Peterson noted that they would like a total of $240,000 he also suggested that they <br /> check with the State because they receive ARPA funds that have not been allocated. <br /> Lancaster said she does not know if these would qualify except for the discretionary <br /> funds this is a good idea but she is not comfortable moving forward until we know if the <br /> equipment is eligible. The rules do keep changing. Lancaster said we can take this <br /> under advisement and do some research. <br /> Richardson stated she has also had other entities approach her and ask what the <br /> process would be. <br /> Lancaster said she does not know, the county has received half of our funds and she <br /> has also been approached for funding there are definite needs but we need a better <br /> picture of what is eligible and we do not know when we receive additional funding. We <br /> have to be cautious with the expenditures because we have to report them to the <br /> federal government. They will do more research and get back to them. <br /> 4.COUNTY ATTORNEY —A) DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION AUTHORIZING <br /> CHAIR TO SIGN AMENDED LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH REGION 3 — Sarah <br />