EMA considers dual-county coordinator

The search for a replacement Union County EMA coordinator officially began last week. While the EMA commission will consider all applicants, the commission also considered a dual coordinator role.

Visiting the Union County Emergency Management Commission during last week’s meeting was Clarke County EMA Coordinator Byron Jimmerson. One of the initial proposals for a coordinator during last month’s meeting was to hire Jimmerson as a dual coordinator for both Union and Clarke counties.

While Union County will still pursue a full-time position if possible, Sheriff Brian Bolton wanted to make sure the EMA commission is aware of every option available.

“We’ve already voted and decided to look for a full-time position, but I still think it’s beneficial to hear what this would look like,” Bolton said. “In the future, if we are forced to share our coordinator with someone else, if the state is going to move that way into regions at some time, we need to take that consideration when we’re hiring.”

Jimmerson introduced himself by saying he wasn’t necessarily “coveting” a dual coordinator position, noting how the role has inherent downsides as a coordinator splits time and resources.

Yet Jimmerson noted how, in a similar story to several rural counties in Iowa, budgets are getting squeezed. He cited property tax and growth cap changes from Iowa legislation as main factors. He gave an example of Clarke County’s auditor’s office, with the auditor not being replaced after the previous auditor’s retirement.

“It’s getting where it’s trying to, how are we going to continue quality services without completely gutting it?” Jimmerson said.

When introducing how the dual coordinator system would work, Jimmerson said Union and Clarke counties’ EMA would merge into one entity, similar to other counties in Iowa who do the same.

“They become one emergency management commission,” Jimmerson said. “One budget, one set of meetings, the plans get merged. It’s not a true duplication anymore; it’s combining the two.”

In Southwest Iowa, Adair and Guthrie County share their coordinator. Elsewhere, Winnebago and Hancock share, as well as a four-county share between Lucas, Davis, Appanoose and Monroe counties.

If Jimmerson was to take the role, he would still require an assistant coordinator who can help manage both counties. Even in a role where Jimmerson has no part in Union County, he said he’s committed to assisting the county when needed.

“In reality, if, God forbid, [a disaster] happens tomorrow, Jo [Duckworth] is going to call and we’re going to come,” Jimmerson said. “When stuff spins off, one person can’t do it. Jo and I spent a lot of time in Greenfield ... it pretty much becomes a team effort.”

Looking ahead to the potential future of Iowa’s emergency management, Jimmerson said it’s worth considering the dual coordinator role early, even if he was initially reluctant on the proposal.

“If this is going to happen some day, I’d rather kind of mold it so it works, versus, ta-da, here it is,” Jimmerson said.

Applications for a full-time coordinator are available on the Union County website at www.unioncountyiowa.gov, alongside additional information. Applications require a completed application form, cover letter and resume, due by June 11.

A hiring committee approved during last week’s meeting is comprised of five members: Union County Auditor Sandy Hysell, Union County Human Resources Director Paul Greufe, Creston Mayor Waylon Clayton, Union County Supervisor Chair Dennis Brown and Bolton.

In other Union County EMA news...

A public hearing was held for a budget amendment to EMA’s fiscal budget. Grant dollars of $34,200 will be transferred from the revenue portion of the budget to expenses. The funds from awarded grants have been used to create Union County’s hazard mitigation plan. The amount has already been paid out.