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Butler County commissioners move to explore assuming control of regional Emergency Management Agency
Summary
Commissioners discussed drafting a resolution to assume operational control of the regional Emergency Management Agency, citing concerns over transparency, governance and proposed per-capita tax increases; the Board asked staff to start outreach and a deliberate transition process.
The Butler County Commissioners signaled Dec. 16 they will pursue a resolution to explore assuming operational control of the regional Emergency Management Agency (EMA), citing concerns about financial oversight, governance and proposed tax increases that had not been coordinated with county leadership.
A commissioner said the EMA—s prior structure is out of step with current needs and that surrounding counties have their EMA functions under the county commissioners. Board members identified recurring issues they said have included unclear accounting, questions about equipment deployments outside the county and a recent discussion of per-capita tax increases. One briefing slide referenced a proposed rise "from $0.39 per capita to $0.50 per capita in 2025" and a separate discussion of a possible increase to $0.59 in 2026.
Commissioners asked staff to draft a conceptual resolution signaling the Board—s intent to assume responsibility so the parties can begin a deliberate unwind and transition process. County counsel and staff noted there are procedural steps, including notice requirements, and that any operational change would allow participating municipalities and agencies time to decide whether to remain in a combined structure or operate independently.
Board members emphasized the move is about governance and budgeting, not an indictment of EMA personnel. "We're responsible for the taxes in Butler County," one commissioner said, arguing the Board should have a say when an entity raises taxes on residents. Staff said they would reach out to participating jurisdictions and EMA leadership to explain the commissioners— intent and begin planning a transition that preserves response capacity while clarifying funding and oversight.
Next steps: staff will draft a resolution for board consideration, conduct outreach to municipal partners and prepare an implementation timeline that accounts for required notice periods and further input from stakeholders.
