Brown County emergency manager outlines regional model for McPherson County emergency services

Summary

Brown County Emergency Manager Scott Lines briefed McPherson County commissioners on a regional emergency management model using LEMPG funding and the ScribeTrack documentation tool; commissioners asked staff to collect documentation and consider a regional arrangement and possible deputy assignment.

Brown County Emergency Manager Scott Lines told McPherson County commissioners that a regional emergency-management arrangement is feasible, outlined what Local Emergency Management Planning Grant (LEMPG) funding covers, and described operational tools (ScribeTrack) that streamline disaster documentation and FEMA reimbursement.

Lines explained LEMPG pays a portion of EM salaries but requires training, drills and maintenance of plans; Brown County currently staffs two full-time EM employees and uses NECOG for mitigation and grant support. A regional model for McPherson County would likely require a local deputy or liaison and agreement on training and reporting requirements. Lines said other counties have formed regional arrangements and he would gather documentation and contact counterparts to share templates and experience.

Commissioners expressed interest but acknowledged constraints: travel distances for Brown County staff, training/time demands on deputies, and the need for internal discussion with McPherson County’s commission. No decision was made; staff will return with examples and potential cost/coverage options.