Email topic: Tornado warnings
I would like to suggest a topic on why Pulaski/Giles County doesn't have tornado sirens. Alot of people who might not have a TV/radio, etc, would greatly benefit from this, as well as all others. I think this would be a lifesaver and very valuable.
posted by J. Kendrick McPeters | 11:41 AM
5 Comments:
Dear bm:
Thank you for being up front and forthright.
You and all citizens of Giles County are invited to an open public meeting being held Thursday, 1 June at 12:00 noon, Council Room Pulaski City Hall. This meeting will introduce and explain the Giles County Hazard Mitigation Plan. This effort will allow all citizens, such as you, to participate in the identification and prioritization of all natural and man-made disasters that may affect our county and all the municipalities located in Giles County.
Why haven’t warning sirens been bought and installed (though this project has been on the books for over two years)? Money. At this time, the budget of the Giles County Office of Emergency Management does not have the matching funds to acquire such a system.
Once Giles County has published our all-hazard Mitigation Plan, we will present our prioritized mitigation projects to the Federal Government. We will them be considered and possibly eligible for Federal Pre-disaster funding.
So …bm… be innovative, join us and give us your time and expertise and assist us in developing plans and projects that are designed to protect all of our citizens and their properties. If you really wish to get involved, and help us make a difference in Giles County,
I hereby offer you a position in the Giles County Office of Emergency Management. As a minimum you will receive the exact amount of compensation which I receive.
Any way, I encourage any and all citizens who are interested in making Giles County a safer place to live to join us and help us develop a meaningful Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Pierre Billard – Director, Office of Emergency Management
Dear Pierre,
Thanks for the job offer. Will it be the position of your deputy as you attempted to get funded in this new year budget? If so, I accept! Sorry, cannot attend meeting June 1 as I'll be working at another of my uncompensated volunteer jobs. I don't believe your predecessor Mr Potts was paid to do what you are now doing, he didn't even get gas money. Did you volunteer to take this on or did someone in local government ask you to? If so, could you tell us who?
BM
You are correct in stating that Bill Potts was not compensated for conducting the responsibilities of the EMA/Civil Defense Director. Nor was he compensated to be the mapping manager for the E-911 Center. He was compensated as the E-911 Director (salary, mileage, and paid compensatory time).
I was asked by the County Executive (Ms. Vanzant) to assume the responsibilities of the Office of Emergency Management. I made an agreement that so long as she was County Executive, I would work for no salary compensation. The County Commission agreed to my appointment in May 2004 ans then officially created the Giles County Office of Emergency Management in Septembet 2004.
For the past 10 years the County has provided $1,950.00 for expenses, the City of Pulaski provided an additional $1,000.00. The City of Pulaski has also provided office space, utilities, and telephone/fax services at no cost to me.
The County Budget Committee is preparing to increase the County annual contribution to $6,000.00. I did ask for $15,000.00 forf a deputy; but, the funding is not currently availoable.
Regards,
PB
Pierre, in your above comment you state you have agreement with Ms Vanzant that as long as she is Co Exec you will work without salary compensation. Since she was re-elected just wanted to say thanks for next four years at same pay scale.
You are welcome.
I will continue trying to acquire funding to pay a deputy position. If funding is provided by the County Commission, I will then apply for State matching grant funds; thereby, increasing the available salary funds.
As promised I will not ask for a salary.
There is a lot of work to be accomplished and I can not do it alone. Hopefully the County Commission will place their collective weight behind the Office of Emergency Management and support all Public Safety personnel.
We need the best equipment and the best training possible. this is not for show; but to save citizens properties ans lives.
You too can make a difference.
Thanks,
Pierre Billard
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