Stephens BOC Approves Interim EMA Director

By Charlie Bauder, WNEG Radio, Toccoa

Stephens County names an Interim Emergency Management Agency Director to fill the position while the search for a full-time person continues.

Tuesday, Stephens County Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Jamey Gettys to the interim post.

County Administrator Phyllis Ayers recommended putting an interim EMA director in place.

The position opened up when Denny Folsom resigned from the position of Stephens County E-911/EMA Director earlier this month.

Ayers said that she has been filling in as the interim EMA director in the past.

However, she said allowing someone else to fill the role would help the county better keep up with all of the paperwork that is required from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

“This time, I have suggested that we look inside, someone that is connected to the county and let someone else fill that role because GEMA, it is paperwork overload and e-mail overload and we do have a big report due in June,” said Ayers. “If we do have a disaster, it would be nice to have someone else at the forefront of the disaster program and let me just stay in my normal role.”

Ayers said the county is not behind on anything, but having a dedicated interim would be of assistance.

She said Gettys, the county’s Volunteer Fire Coordinator, is someone who can do the job.

“He is with our volunteer fireman,” said Ayers. “He is our coordinator. He is the chief at Eastanollee Fire Department and he has helped (previous EMA director) Becky Wall years ago so he is familiar with that arena.”

She said he will fill the position at a cost of $1,800 a month until the county hires someone to fill the E-911/EMA Director position on a full-time basis.

Ayers said that applicants for that position are currently being reviewed.