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Commission hears tanker update, organizational-chart progress and welcomes new ES director
Summary
Members heard that five new tankers are in service and a sixth is being outfitted, received an organizational-chart draft for review, were told a legal opinion on paid staff volunteering is pending, and welcomed new Emergency Services Director Richard Caudill.
At its meeting the Oconee County Advisory Fire Service Commission heard a series of administrative updates: five new tankers are in service with positive station feedback, a sixth tanker was recently picked up and is awaiting equipment mounting and radio installation, and training calendar work will follow to give staff hands-on time with the new units.
The Chair said an organizational chart for OCES paid staff had been provided to Director Caudill and county administration; Caudill is reviewing the draft and has not yet returned it to administration. Commissioners discussed the commission’s advisory role and noted that the final organizational structure must come from county administration.
On volunteer participation by paid staff, the county attorney’s preliminary view—still pending a written opinion—is that paid staff may volunteer if the volunteer departments are organized as separate 501(c)(3) entities; the commission asked that a written opinion be provided next month.
Members received a staffing update: the department reported one current opening, three people in class and two others about to attend training; the commission agreed to delay adding station staff until those trainees are onboarded. The group tentatively rescheduled the June meeting from June 11 to June 25, subject to room availability.
The chair welcomed new Emergency Services Director Richard Caudill. Caudill, who said he had been on the job about a week, told the commission he is prioritizing personnel, training, retention and communications. He said he had already met with neighboring counties about radio systems and that financing an alternative would be a central issue. Caudill asked for the commission’s assistance and pledged to be transparent as he evaluates priorities.
Administrative motions recorded during the meeting included approval of the prior minutes (voice vote recorded as 6-0), the committee referrals for the school training position and communications issues, and the adjournment at 06:50.
