County authorizes Woodford Foundation support as FEMA/USDA buyout program waits on federal funding; EM director honored

Emergency Management Director Drew Chandler told the Woodford County Fiscal Court that the county’s buyout program and some FEMA-related recovery work were stalled because federal appropriations were delayed by a government shutdown, but noted draft language in a congressional bill would fund USDA — parent of NRCS, which administers buyout programs — through Jan. 30.

Chandler said the county has been preparing for possible service gaps, convening partners including the health department, the local food pantry, school district officials and nonprofits such as The Station, to assess surge capacity and to support continuity of services. He said the food pantry had not yet reported shortages but that the county has an email ready to schedule a meeting with USDA once agencies return to work.

Judge moved and the court approved a clarifying motion authorizing the Woodford Foundation funds to be used for eligible sheltering and basic-needs responses at The Station and similar partners, consistent with procurement rules. The judge described the county’s emergency-housing budget allocation and said the move was intended to keep local response options available if federal assistance lags.

Separately, the court celebrated Director Chandler for being named the 2025 Emergency Manager of the Year by the International Association of Emergency Managers. Chandler thanked staff and partners and emphasized that the award reflects the broader emergency-management team’s work.

The court recorded the authorization of Woodford Foundation funds and directed staff to proceed within procurement rules and to keep the court apprised of further federal action affecting the buyout program.