Subject:
Title
Grant Agreement Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance Budget Match Waiver Request.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA) Grant Agreement No. A0705 Match Waiver Request and Form 3-Local Budget Match.
• Execution of the original Waiver Request Letter and Form 3.
• Board actions will take place on October 27, 2026 for the EMPA Grant Approval.
• Funding for this grant is included in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) and FY27 budgets for Emergency Management within the General Fund. The State’s definition of grant match is not met in the FY27 Budget, hence the need for a waiver. Neither the Office of Emergency Management nor the Office of Management and budget believe that this waiver puts the grant funding in jeopardy.
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.2 Enhance community safety.
Summary:
The EMPA Grant requires a budget match equal to or higher than the prior year adopted budget or an average of the three (3) previous fiscal years, whichever is lower. In the event neither calculation can be matched a match waiver request must be submitted to the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management by an authorized signer of the County.
Background/Explanation:
The FY26 operational budget is $282,350. Average of the three (3) prior year operating budgets is $313,190. Pinellas County Emergency Management has an operational reduction for FY27. The final proposed operating budget is $152,640.00. The calculation to provide a budget match with either calculation method is not met.
A match waiver request on County Letterhead by the County Chief Officer is required and Form 3 shall be signed as not meeting the match requirement.
Fiscal Impact:
No fiscal impact on the County.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Waiver Request and Form 3 is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(2).
Staff Member Responsible:
Cathie Perkins, Director, Emergency Management
Partners:
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Attachments:
Q1.EMPATaskMatchWaiverRequest
Form3-Match