Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
EMA seeks permission to pursue nonprofit support, promotes 'premise alert' program for first responders
Summary
EMA director told the committee the premise alert program (records of disabled/resident needs for first responders) already exists in ICOM and asked permission to explore forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to accept grants and donations that cannot go directly to the county; board members requested additional details on fund controls and budgeting before formal approval.
During the emergency management update, Mr. Anderson reported no incidents for the month and highlighted the existing 'premise alert' program housed in ICOM, which allows residents (including people with disabilities) to register critical information to assist first responders.
Anderson asked for the committee’s permission to start exploring formation of a nonprofit support organization (a 501(c)(3)) to accept grants and private donations that cannot be given directly to a governmental entity; he said other local emergency agencies use such nonprofits to receive corporate donations and grants that are restricted from direct governmental receipt. He emphasized the nonprofit would supplement EMA’s capabilities and allow purchases of equipment without drawing on county general funds.
Committee members welcomed the idea but asked for more detail before granting authority to proceed: who would control and track funds, whether grants would be routed through the county’s budget process, and what oversight and accounting mechanisms would be in place. Members asked the director to prepare a short business plan and speak to finance staff about tracking and reporting options; the director said he would bring proposed materials at a future meeting.
No formal action was taken; staff and committee members agreed to gather more information and return with a proposal.
