BOCC continues search for Disaster Service Coordinators

WALLACE — When former Disaster Services Coordinator, Cory Foster, resigned earlier this summer, he left some big shoes to be filled by the Shoshone County Board of Commissioners (BOCC).

In August, the BOCC seemed to have filled this vacancy when they announced that Holly Lindsey and Jeremy Groves were appointed to the positions of Disaster Services Coordinator and Assistant Disaster Services Coordinator.

On Oct. 11 though, the BOCC met to discuss their new strategy for filling the position once again.

Mike Fitzgerald, Shoshone County Commissioner, explained that it was a mutual decision to have Lindsey and Groves step down.

Lindsay, the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Undersheriff, and Groves, SCSO Captain, simply have too much on their plate to juggle both jobs.

“As part of the position,” Fitzgerald explained, “you have to take continued training and with us not doing it long term through them, there was no sense in carrying it any further.”

If these trainings are not kept up, certain certifications and grant funding can be lost.

Although their tenure was short, Fitzgerald commended the duo’s effort during a busy wildfire period by citing work Groves did in the St. Joe region of the county during the Buck fire.

“They got us through the fire season,” he said. “Now its time to get the right person in there for the job.”

The period to apply for the part time/ non-benefited position, funded by a Homeland Security grant in the amount of $29,000 with $22,919 allocated annually to wages, has already lapsed — but the BOCC is in the process considering at least two applicants.

Other options discussed by the BOCC in lieu of hiring a replacement include combining the position with another existing county department or possibly working out a partnership with neighboring Benewah County.

Although these possibilities were thrown around, the BOCC’s preferred option is to fill the position with a knowledgeable individual.

“We will weigh the qualifications of the applicants received by us a make the decision that is best for the county.”

Guidelines established by the county explain that the Disaster Series Coordinator is expected to:

1. Coordinate, supervise and direct the effort of this County for the accomplishment of the purposes of this ordinance and as may be directed by the Board of Commissioners.

2. Coordinate and direct, in conjunction with Shoshone County Sheriff, other county elected officials and agencies, the mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery of all county agencies during a disaster. Nothing herein shall be deemed to grant or authorize the Coordinator to exercise any supervisory or command of authority over any deputies or employees of the county public officials, or equipment, goods or materials of said offices, which shall at all times remain under the authority of the direction of the respective public official.

3. Represent the County in all dealings with public or private agencies pertaining to Disaster Management and act as a liaison between Shoshone County and other government and non-government emergency or disaster management and response agencies.

4. Coordinate the preparation and implementation of county plans and programs for disaster management which are consistent with national and state plans and programs.

5. Provide updating and testing of the county disaster operations plan and training of county personnel for damage assessment, damage survey and radiological monitoring.

6. Coordinate all requests from local governments for disaster services.

7. With prior approval of the Board of Commissioners, except the services of volunteers for the purposes of disaster management on behalf of Shoshone County on such terms and conditions as designated by the Board. The Coordinator may or shall have no authority to employ or contact with any person or entity on behalf of Shoshone County except with the express prior authorization of the Board of Commissioners

8. Execute all others duties of Coordinator as may otherwise be designated by the board of Commissioners as may be permitted by law.

Additional duties also include administering the Homeland Security Equipment grant (approximately $26,000 per annum).