Scott County formally establishes emergency management position

BENTON -- The Scott County Emergency Management Agency is now official.

County Commissioners approved during their regular meeting Tuesday an ordinance officially establishing the county's emergency management agency and the position of county emergency management director.

"This is something that's been pending for some time," said Tom Beardslee, county emergency management director.

While the county has had an emergency management director in place for many years now, the State Emergency Management Agency advised in December the county must enact an emergency management ordinance, Beardslee explained.

According to the ordinance, the county agency "is responsible for the preparation and implementation of emergency functions required to prevent, minimize and repair injury and damage due to disasters."

Responsibilities of the director, according to the ordinance, include organization, administration and operations of local emergency management activities, maintaining records and accounting for the use and disposal of all equipment placed under the jurisdiction of the county EMA.

The director is authorized to appropriate and expend funds; enter into contracts; and obtain and distribute equipment, materials and supplies for emergency management purposes.

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