Commissioners discuss short‑term EMA coverage, interim appointment and options to contract with neighboring counties

The Williams County Board of Commissioners discussed short‑term coverage and organizational options for the county’s Emergency Management Agency after the departure of the EMA director.

A staff presenter outlined three options: (1) appoint an interim or temporary EMA director from within or hire a dedicated county employee; (2) establish a countywide EMA that would contract with townships, villages and the city; or (3) contract with a neighboring county to provide EMA services. The presenter said that if the county pursued a joint employee with a neighboring county, the board would need to confirm whether that neighboring county already maintained a countywide EMA and coordinate responsibilities.

Commissioners discussed timing and the need for a point of contact for state and federal partners and suggested meeting with a proposed interim candidate for a “meet and greet” followed by an executive session to discuss compensation. Commissioners identified Bolon/Bolton and Defiance counties as the only bordering options for a neighboring‑county contract, given Williams County’s geography.

One commissioner urged the board to “do something sooner than later” and suggested appointing a named staff member (Von) as an interim until longer‑term arrangements could be made. The board agreed to follow up with neighboring counties to explore whether shared services would be viable, and to schedule a meeting with the interim candidate as early as the following week.