Commission restores full-time EMA director position, citing hurricane recovery and preparedness

The Augusta City Commission voted Jan. 7 to restore a full-time Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director position for Augusta-Richmond County, reversing a prior arrangement in which EMA duties had been combined with the fire chief.

Mayor Garnett L. Johnson and multiple commissioners argued the staffing change is necessary after Hurricane Elaine recovery work and to improve preparedness for future disasters. Supporters said a full-time director will better coordinate recovery, pursue reimbursements from federal and state sources, and manage preparedness efforts year-round.

Administrator Allen said the current EMA budget contains a deputy position and an EMA specialist; restoring a full-time director will require reclassification of the deputy position and potential use of contingency funding to cover salary differences. Commissioners discussed funding and whether the director would need dedicated additional staff; Allen said operational reviews are under way and that the city would determine grade and funding as part of the classification and hiring process.

Commissioner Catherine Smith Rice moved to approve hiring a full-time certified EMA director and to have human resources begin recruitment protocol; the motion passed 8–2, with Commissioners Tony Lewis and Jordan Johnson recorded as voting no.

Supporters said a dedicated director will help the city document recovery costs and secure federal/state reimbursements; critics asked for more clarity on ongoing staffing, operating budget and longer-term costs. Administrator Allen said staff will return with classification, grade, and recruitment steps.