County considers creating own emergency plan

GROVETON — After partnering with Polk County on emergency management planning for 22 years, Trinity County is considering taking steps to create its own plan.

During discussion about renewing the current plan, which is required by law, commissioners asked Polk County Emergency Management Coordinator Courtney Comstock what the benefit would be of continuing the partnership.

County Judge Danny Martin questioned what Polk County did during the 2024 weather disasters, or even during the COVID epidemic; Comstock said that the Polk County EM group cannot operate within Trinity County’s jurisdiction.

She did say that in 2002, at the request of the Trinity County Judge at the time, Polk County could carry Trinity on its plan, and Polk would handle the administrative work required for keeping the plan.

Trinity County Emergency Management coordinator he hasn’t been able to get any assistance from Polk County, and will look into get information on separating from Polk County; Comstock said that they have known for some time that Trinity wanted its own plan, and said that was the best plan.

The court tabled the matter until it can get information on creating a plan and separating from Polk County.

In other business, the court:

• approved a contract with the city of Groveton for election services;
• approved personnel action forms;
• approved renewal of official bonds;
• approved claims for disaster-related purchases;
• approved a credit card for the District Clerk’s Office;
• approved a contract for VideoMagistrate software for the Justices of the Peace;
• approved renewal of copier leases;
• approved a bid of $2,600 to install soffit around the rock building;
• approved renewal of the Title IV-E County Child Welfare Services non-financial contract;
• approved the expenditure of Child Safety fees, which include $5,000 payments to Boys and Girls Club of Trinity County, Trinity County Child Protective Services, SAAFE House and Kalin’s Center; and
• approved a bid for a security window for the Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace office from Able Glass for $2,386.50.