Story by Donna Thornton donna@emilysoutherntorch-com
The DeKalb County Commission named Michael Posey as DeKalb County Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency director last week, filling the position left open after the death last month of long-time director Anthony Clifton.
Posey has served as assistant director for some time, and has covered the duties of director when Clifton’s health kept him out of work.
DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow recalled Clifton as an outstanding director, saying it was a blessing to work with him. He expressed sympathy for the Clifton family.
He said it was the commission’s task to appoint a new director now.
“We are fortunate to have Michael Posey,” Harcrow said, “who has been in that position literally, for a long time.” He said Posey has the credentials needed for the job – some creditials, he said, that he didn’t know what they were.
“He has done an outstanding job,” the
commission president said.
Posey praised the work of the entire team at EMA, and the partners it has among local first responders and volunteer fire departments.
He said DeKalb’s EMA has partnerships as well with EMA agencies throughout the state, as well as the state EMA.
When the worse occurs, such as tornadoes bringing devastation to the county, Posey said, the local agency can call on those across the state to come in and help, and they respond immediately.
And the DeKalb office reponds to assist in other counties when disaster strikes and help is needed.
Posey said he does not foresee any changes in the way the EMA office operates.
As part of the commission actions, Posey requested and received approval for a contract with Motorola Solutions for a P25 system for the new tower going up in the area of Alabama Highway 75 in Cartersville. He said approving the contract with Motorola will lock in a price at the current rate.
The commission also updates on county projects and work. Maintenance crews are working on road patching and bush cutting -- with some challenges because of equipment issues with bush cutters.
In other action the commission:
Approved a bid for paving material and work from Charles Watts Inc. for $2,294,000.91.
Approved a bid for roadside spraying to IBM Solutions for $135,976 for treating as estimated 2300 acres. The cost for treating paved roads is $29.56 per acre and for unpaved roads, $32. The cost covers two cycles of spraying.
Approved hiring Tim Smith as part-time courthouse security.
Accepted the resignations of two jail employees and approved hiring one employee as a replacement for one of the resignations.
