Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 5, August 21, 2024
Rule 661-259.204 - Application process(1)Notice of availability of funds. Whenever funds are available for loans through the fire fighting equipment revolving loan fund, the fire service training bureau shall publish notice of the availability of those funds in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin and shall notify fire service organizations, including, but not limited to, the Iowa Firemen's Association, the Iowa Fire Chiefs Association, and the Iowa Association of Professional Fire Chiefs, of the availability of those funds, the procedure for applying for loans through the program, the deadline for applying for funds, and the provisions of rules 661-259.201 (80GA,ch177) to 661-259.207 (80GA,ch177). All local fire departments in Iowa known to the fire service training bureau shall receive notice by mail or, when available, electronic mail. In addition, notice of availability of funds and the application procedure shall be published on the department's website.(2)Application. Application for a loan from the fire fighting equipment revolving loan fund shall be made on an application form provided by the fire service training bureau. A completed application shall be submitted to the fire service training bureau by the deadline specified in the notice of availability of public funds and shall include any attached materials required in the instructions provided with the application form. a. An application form shall be completed by the local fire department. The application shall include contact information, loan amount requested, purpose of the loan, statement of need, and current financial information, and any additional information specified on the application form or accompanying instructions, and shall be signed by an official authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the local fire department.b. In addition to the application, the following information will be required prior to loan approval: (1) Documentation that the department requesting the loan meets the definition of a "local fire department."(2) Financial statements showing income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and sources of income for the department requesting the loan for a three-year period prior to the loan request date.(3) Verification that the match requirement will be met. A letter from the executive or chief financial officer of the agency funding the match requirement will normally be sufficient.(4) A copy of the contract, bid specifications, or proposal for purchase of the equipment/apparatus to be purchased with the loan proceeds, or repair work order, if applicable.(3)Loan application review.a. The state fire marshal and the chief of the fire service training bureau shall review each application for completeness and compliance with rules 661-259.201 (80GA,ch177) to 661-259.207 (80GA,ch177).b. The state fire service and emergency response council, or a subcommittee of the council established for this purpose, shall serve as an advisory committee to the state fire marshal in the loan application review process, and shall recommend to the state fire marshal funding, partial funding, or denial of each application. Recommendations regarding loan applications shall be based upon availability of funds in relation to the total funds requested by eligible applicants, documentation of need for the proposed purchase or repair, and documentation of likely ability of the local fire department applying for a loan to repay the loan.c. Decisions to award or not to award loans shall be made by the state fire marshal.(4)Appeals. If a local fire department's application is denied or partially funded by the state fire marshal, the department may appeal the decision of the state fire marshal to the commissioner of public safety using procedures for appeals set out in 661-Chapter 10.Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-259.204
Amended by IAB August 28, 2019/Volume XLII, Number 5, effective 10/2/2019