(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, learned the County Fire Association had received a Department of Homeland Security grant for the purchase of mobile radios used for communication between departments and the Cass County Communications Center. Former Fire Chief and volunteer firefighter Mark McNees, is the project manager.

The project period and the budget period for the grant started August 23^rd and continues August 22, 2023. McNees said the radios will be distributed to most of the County Fire Departments.

Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon explained, it’ll bring more County emergency personnel and equipment into the 700-megahertz frequency band, so they can better facilitate communications.

Mark McNees was looking for 100-percent of the matching grant from the Board. It’s possible (American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds could be used for the purpose. Board Chair Steve Baier said he would look into it. Action on the request for matching funds is expected to take place at a future Board’s meeting.

In other business, the Board set Sept. 14^th as the date for a Public Hearing on amending the Cass County FY22 Budget, which is necessary due to the inclusion of CARES ACT funding. And, the Board approved the appointments of James Stokley, from Anita, to the County Conservation Board, as well as Patricia Ostrus and Ray Ostrus as Franklin Township Clerk and Trustee, respectively, for the remainders of those office terms. Stokley will fill a seat on the Conservation Board until 12/31/2022.