The Pulaski County Council has a opted to refrain from giving the EMA Department its own building.
The conversation started several weeks ago after it was recommended that the Emergency Management Agency in Pulaski County store its response and military surplus equipment in a single location. Currently, the EMA Department works out of the county courthouse, but stores its equipment in several locations around the county.
EMA Director Sheri Gaillard says it’s a hazard to have your emergency manager in her current location in the basement of the courthouse – a strong target for natural and man-made disasters.
“Should that happen at the very least I might not be able to get out of the basement to activate the emergency plan,” says Gaillard.
The County Council considered a proposal to move the EMA department into the former Dillman’s Tire and Auto location.
The site was recently remodeled and has fencing, making it prime ground for equipment storage and other operations. Various lease of purchase options have been offered by the owner of the site.
Pulaski County struggled to justify expanding to another location given the amounts already spent on expanded locations for several other departments. Eric Galbreath represents the building site. He says there are several payments to choose from.
“You can lease to buy, payments, I mean we’re here to make this work with you guys and do what we need to do to make this happen for you guys,” says Galbreath.
The County Council said it would continue to consider the matter prior to making a decision.
