County clerk outlines MOU with Deering County to borrow emergency supplies, including pet supplies, during disasters

At the meeting, the clerk described a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Deering County that would let Ohio County borrow emergency supplies, including pet supplies, in a disaster scenario and reimburse the lending county for used items.

Why it matters: The MOU is intended to ensure the county can meet immediate needs beyond its stockpile in a major incident without waiting for separate procurement; the clerk said this type of arrangement is a state-recommended scenario planning practice.

Clerk (S1) explained the operational terms: if Ohio County uses another county’s stockpile, the county would replace or reimburse the supplies used. "If we use different counties' supplies, we would replace that supplies," the clerk said, describing the reimbursement expectation. Staff said that the MOU is administrative paperwork that must be signed and that the clerk would provide signed copies once the council completes its portion.

Commissioners noted the expense is not currently in the county budget and emphasized that the MOU governs only short-term, scenario-based borrowing and reimbursement rather than routine supply purchases. Clerk (S1) asked for the commission to sign and acknowledged that the arrangement is meant for unusual, large-scale events where the county’s stockpile might be exceeded.

Next steps: The clerk will obtain a signed copy of the MOU after council action and return it to commissioners; staff noted they would document the arrangement for disaster planning records.