The Rural Water Association briefed commissioners on new cybersecurity requirements (House Bill 19) requiring emergency-response plans and breach reporting; the association said grants up to $20,000 are available and offered training and free system checks for small systems.

Chairman Alex Seda told the council 911 calls are now dispatched from a new EMS/911 call center and training facility; the county approved a new two-bay EMS station at an estimated $1,200,000; and the county awarded several small grants to local organizations.

The Natural Resources & Environment Committee heard House Bill 956, which would allow the director of the Environmental Protection Division to use Solid Waste Trust Fund dollars for expanded functions including emergency tire-fire response and staff capacity while preserving existing grant programs, and voted to advance the bill.