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

Aug 18, 2026

EMA director Michelle requested radios, training funds and consulting support (Christopher Burke/Bird referenced) to improve grant readiness and FEMA/ADA compliance; commissioners suggested transfers from existing accounts could buy at least one replacement radio now.

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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.

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