Caldwell County Emergency Management Director Joey McCaslin informed the Fiscal Court at Friday’s special-called meeting that he needs extra support as growing responsibilities stretch the resources of his department.
McCaslin informed the Fiscal Court that he needs at least some part-time assistance to keep up with the workload.
click to download audioHe added that, with all the recent changes, working just 20 hours a week is no longer enough with all the emergency management plans that need to be updated.
click to download audioMcCaslin added that they explore every possible funding source for Emergency Management, including the annual Emergency Management Program Grant, which has seen reduced funding in recent years.
click to download audioFor example, McCaslin pointed out that they now have two drones that require specialized training.
click to download audioHe added that what concerns him most is needing to rewrite the county’s emergency operation plan, which led to District 2 Magistrate Jeff Boone to ask how often the plans are required to be updated.
click to download audioHe added this training would be required for emergency managers and anyone who works at the Emergency Operations Center.
Due to changes in recent years, McCaslin said they also need to revise several key documents, including the community planning and disaster recovery plan, debris management plan, shelter plan, mass fatality plan, county distribution plan, and much more.
Judge-Executive Kota Young suggested scheduling some evening Emergency Operations Center meetings and forming committees to begin reviewing the plans with the county’s experienced leadership.
McCaslin noted that there have also been discussions among emergency managers about seeking help from organizations with summer interns, but emphasized that many of the county’s plans require experience in emergency services like law enforcement, fire, hazardous materials, disaster response, and search and rescue.
After further discussion, McCaslin emphasized the need for immediate help, rather than waiting until July. He said he hopes to find someone who is retired with a background in emergency services to assist with writing the plans during April, May, and June—potentially for $10 an hour.
Judge Young said they would look at freeing up some funds for temporary help this fiscal year before further discussions for a solution for the next fiscal year.
