Many local governments are using surplus military equipment to help fight wildfires, to set up mobile command units, or to convert into snow plows, according to members of ICMA's Government Affairs and Policy Committee (GAPC). In some communities, 90 percent of the equipment is used by departments other than the police. The Department of Defense has banned three states from accepting surplus military equipment due to management or reporting issues.

It's important to retain access to the surplus equipment, noted GAPC members at their committee meeting on September 14. Recommended practices include:

• Establish a local policy that any equipment or grant accepted by the local government be formally approved by the governing body.
• Recognize that any major vehicles accepted should be part of the fixed asset inventory.
• Be alert to liability issues related to some equipment.