Bismarck's newest city commissioner took issue with a request that the city apply for Homeland Security grant money.

Newly appointed assistant city administrator Keith Hunke made the request on behalf of the community's first-responders. The total grant money applied for will be about $400,000.

Commissioner Steve Schwab challenged the need for the Homeland Security money, explaining that a Brady-Martz audit report of 2004 Homeland Security grant spending was critical of $112,000 in expenditures approved by the city.

City financial director Sheila Hillman did try to provide some background for the city commissioners but said that she hadn't come prepared to answer Schwab's concerns. Later, Hillman said the 2004 audit was on a $186,515 bioterrorism grant received from the Department of Health.

The audit questioned $69,537 in expenditures and finally determined $57,498 were unallowable. Since the grant reimburses the city for its expenditures, the Health Department reduced the amount it would reimburse the city through the grant by the $57,498.

Commissioners Sandi Tabor and Connie Sprynczynatyk were quick to explain that several changes had been made in the city's grant process to ensure problems do not occur again.

Sprynczynatyk said guidelines for the grant were being written at the same time the money was coming into the city. This made it difficult to determine what was and was not allowed through the grant.

"We took what we learned from the audit and put quite a number of measures in place to make sure there is not a problem in the future," Sprynczynatyk said. "I feel comfortable with the measures put in place."

Schwab continued to question whether the city should request grants when it was spending it on things that weren't allowed. He indicated the money was being spent just to spend it.

Tabor called a "point of order" and then went on to explain that among the procedures implemented in the grant policy was the inclusion of a grant coordinator. This position is to be filled by Aug. 16. It would be the grant coordinator's job to review all grant applications and make sure the grants were spent as they were meant.

"I'd like to give further comfort to Commissioner Schwab and members of the public, that city entities are not running out and buying anything in the place just to spend the money," Sprynczynatyk said. "I assure you lots of controls have been put in place to make sure the money is spent carefully. Our community is recognized as one of the state's four anchor communities that is expected to provide a level of service higher than other communities."

Sprynczynatyk added that Bismarck and Mandan are looked to to provide service regionally. The cities have a bomb squad, bioterrorism group and SWAT team that work with other communities. She further explained that the state has many layers in place to help hold cities accountable in the grant process.

Commissioners voted 4 to 1 to apply for grant money though Homeland Security. Dave Jensen cast the lone dissenting vote.