Emergency-management ordinance proposed to clarify county authority and streamline response

Cameron, introduced by county staff to present a draft emergency-management ordinance, told the board he intended the measure to be "proactive" and not to "scare you." He said the ordinance would formally establish the county as an emergency-management agency, define preparedness, response and recovery authority, and provide a legal framework for continuity of operations and coordinated response with state and federal partners.

Cameron said the draft clarifies expectations for officials who may act during an incident and would streamline training, exercises and public preparedness work the county already performs. He referenced state law in explaining the statute basis for local emergency authority, saying, "North Carolina general statute 1 66 8 is the North Carolina emergency management act," and added the ordinance "doesn't give me more power [and] it doesn't give you less power; it just helps clearly define it." Commissioners asked whether a state disaster declaration would trump local authority; Cameron responded, "No," and explained alignment with a state declaration is necessary to ensure eligibility for reimbursement funding and consistent operations with state emergency management partners.

The presentation prompted praise for recent EOC work during winter storms and a reminder from the board that the ordinance should clearly identify responsibilities and delegation in case primary officials are unavailable. Cameron and staff said the ordinance would be circulated for review and that the associated hazard-mitigation plan would appear on a future agenda.