During a recent special meeting of the Bartlesville/Washington County Emergency Management Council, financial transparency and future projects took center stage. The council discussed a detailed breakdown of expenditures, revealing that last year’s total spending reached $650,778.70, significantly exceeding the budgeted amount of $303,000. This discrepancy was largely attributed to the management of various grants, which were not included in the initial budget proposal.

The council highlighted that over the past four years, they have managed nearly $11 million in ARPA and CARES funds, underscoring the critical role of grant funding in their operations. Notably, the construction of a new facility, costing close to $6 million, was entirely funded through grants, with no city funds utilized.

The proposed budget for the current year stands at $363,688.39, which includes personnel costs and operational expenses. A key point of discussion was the allocation for John Mosley, the 911 coordinator and floodplain administrator, whose wages are split between city and county funding.

Additionally, the council addressed the status of the mass notification system project, which had stalled due to other priorities, including tornado recovery efforts. However, recent advancements in technology and cost reductions have reignited interest in this initiative, with the council narrowing down potential providers.

As the council moves forward, the emphasis on grant management and strategic planning will be crucial in ensuring effective emergency management services for the community.