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Commissioners continue review of Emergency Management Agency restructuring; no directive issued
Summary
After a December resolution to study Emergency Management Agency options, commissioners heard updates and legal advice on asset disposition and transition planning but declined to give formal direction at the March 12 meeting.
Butler County commissioners continued discussion on March 12 about a December resolution to evaluate restructuring the county’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) but did not direct staff to take immediate action.
The county administrator reminded the board the December resolution authorized a study of options to facilitate and administer emergency management under models referenced in the Ohio Revised Code. Commissioners discussed stakeholder outreach, including meetings with municipal officials and the county sheriff’s office, and whether a public engagement process should precede any decision.
Prosecutor Moser told the board a formal review should include a clear plan for how EMA assets would be handled and urged the commissioners to take advantage of the several months remaining before any statutory notice period would be required. He said the EMA had provided an inventory of assets to the administrator and that the sheriff’s office was preparing to assume responsibilities if the board decides on a transfer. Moser emphasized the need for an orderly transition with a defined start and end date so assets, contracts and personnel issues can be resolved.
Several commissioners expressed frustration that the EMA director had publicly criticized the board’s review and urged direct engagement with stakeholders so concerns could be aired. Commissioner Dixon said he had received letters from local officials opposing change but also argued that the county should explore whether the sheriff’s existing countywide first-responder structure could perform EMA planning tasks more efficiently.
The board did not adopt any restructuring plan or terminate the current EMA relationship at the meeting. When asked for direction, the chair said “Not this time,” indicating the board will not take immediate administrative action and instead will continue deliberations and stakeholder meetings in the coming months.
Next steps: the administrator and the prosecutor will continue to gather details (asset lists, transition plans and legal requirements) and the board will decide later whether to open a public engagement process or pursue a structural change.
