Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Emergency manager urges growth of local SER volunteer program as Red Cross capacity wanes
Summary
Emergency management custodian Chancy Moran told the board the county must build local volunteer shelter and response capacity through its SER 501(c)(3) program because Red Cross resources are limited; he urged better township damage documentation to meet state disaster thresholds and suggested local equipment funding outside the general fund.
Chancy Moran, the county’s emergency manager, briefed commissioners on local disaster response lessons and a plan to expand a 501(c)(3) SER volunteer program to handle sheltering and local operations during crises.
Moran said he had reached out to Red Cross representatives during recent storms but found the local Red Cross presence significantly reduced. "We don't have a Red Cross presence in our communities anymore like we used to," he said, arguing the county must rely more on locally trained volunteers. Moran described the SER program’s past role (supporting marathon operations and volunteer logistics) and said the nonprofit could buy equipment and supply volunteer training without taxing taxpayers if the county supported outreach and coordination.
He asked the board to consider modest non‑tax funding or in‑kind support (equipment or a part‑time coordinator) to boost local capacity. Moran emphasized safety and coordination: unsolicited volunteers require supervision to avoid liability and safety problems, and trained SER volunteers have successfully shepherded large numbers of volunteers in prior disasters.
Moran also stressed the operational importance of accurate township damage reporting to reach the county’s state reimbursement threshold (he cited a county threshold figure of about $86,000 and a state threshold near $5.2 million). "Every load counts, every bit of rock counts," he said, urging township officers to take photos, document locations, and submit damage paperwork to maximize potential state assistance.
Several commissioners praised SER volunteers who helped small communities and agreed the county should pursue clearer township guidance and state assessment help where available. Moran said the county will promote training with local service organizations and meet with Rotary and other civic groups to recruit volunteers.
Next steps: Moran will continue outreach to civic groups, propose equipment needs and funding sources that do not increase the county tax burden, and coordinate with state teams offering township damage assessments.
