The decision is final! The CERT program will continue. As you know, on February 18, the County Executive proposed to the Board of Supervisors the elimination of CERT for the FY2026 budget. However, on May 13, the Board approved the budget with CERT being funded and reinstated.

The CERT Leadership organized a cohesive, multi-faceted drive that showed the everyday value of CERT to the community. Thanks to the overwhelming support from our volunteers, our neighboring CERT programs, concerned residents, and our community partners, CERT launched an impressive campaign to save the program.

We are grateful for everyone’s advocacy. Your letters, emails, phone calls, petitions, print and social media stories, news interviews, and meetings with the Supervisors, highlighted CERT’s essential role in public safety.

We are also pleased that the Board restored the proposed cuts to the fire department which would have removed critical emergency vehicles from operations.

We share this victory with you all! It highlights the incredible impact we have when working together. We stand committed to serve. Thank you!

For more information about the budget decisions, see the links below.