Emergency management asks for radios, training and planning funds after recent storms

Michelle, Pulaski County’s emergency management director, told commissioners she needs updated portable radios, training and consultant support to ensure the county can apply for and manage mitigation grants and comply with changing ADA/title‑six requirements. "I need the new radios, which are very expensive," she said, adding she has one unit that is failing to hold a charge and that commodity‑flow and flood‑mitigation studies (estimated in discussion at roughly $35,000) would be useful investments for long‑term resilience.

Michelle proposed $10,000 for training/consultant time (to engage firms such as Christopher Burke to improve grant competitiveness), additional mapping/subscription maintenance and modest equipment repair funds. Commissioners suggested the director might reallocate existing maintenance funds this year and pursue grant or dedicated local emergency planning account funds; no appropriation was approved during the morning session.