Morgan County Commission members on Nov. 5 unanimously approved a slate of emergency-services personnel actions and authorized creation of a special county account to handle reimbursable sheriff funds for equipment and overtime.

The commission approved appointments to the county EMS board, including the appointment of Robert Buck to a three-year term expiring Dec. 31. Commissioners also discussed and approved hiring a shared firefighter/captain to improve coverage across multiple local departments; the hire was described in the meeting as a $40,000-per-year position for the named candidate. Commissioners and local fire chiefs said the new captain will operate under memoranda of understanding among the jurisdictions and will report to four area fire chiefs for accountability and scheduling.

Separately, the sheriff’s office outlined a plan under which deputies performing reimbursable transports or services could be compensated (employee benefits plus hourly pay) and the county would receive reimbursement. Commissioners authorized creation of a dedicated county account—similar to past special-purpose accounts—to receive initial funds and to hold reimbursements that can later be transferred to operating budgets. During the discussion staff identified that initial vehicle and equipment purchases related to the reimbursable program could total about $190,000; commissioners treated that as an estimate to be refined.

Commissioners discussed administrative details for the new account, including signature requirements and who would be listed as authorized signers. Staff were directed to set up the account and signature cards and provide reporting procedures so transfers and reimbursements can be tracked easily.

What happens next: staff will set up the account and prepare signature cards; departments and the sheriff’s office will coordinate reporting procedures and bring back any refinements to the equipment/vehicle plan for further approval.