Commission O.K.s Disaster Committee

The Jasper County Commission, at a work session Monday evening, agreed to adopt a resolution for the establishment of a Jasper County Long Term Recovery Committee.

Jasper County’s volunteer assistant director of the Emergency Management Agency here Ed Westbrook presented a sample resolution establishing the committee and commissioners said they could not take any action at the work session but were in agreement on establishing the committee. Mr. Westbrook does not plan to serve on the board, but in his efforts since the January 12 tornado has identified people willing to serve.

The plan is for this to be a long-term commitment with this committee not only helping the tornado victims, but it will be in place to help people who lose their homes in house fires and any other disasters that occur. The members will elect their own officers, and set up a 501(c)3 for donations. The idea for this committee was introduced at the commissioners’ regular meeting in February and they set up Monday’s work session for more information.

The purpose of the Jasper County Disaster Relief Long-Term Recovery committee is to assist Jasper County citizens who have experienced loss from disastrous events. The committee will seek ways to address the unmet needs of victims of these types of events. It is suggested the committee consist of no more than nine members.

That was the only item discussed at Monday’s work session which was attended by Commission Chairman Don Jernigan, Vice-Chairman Shelia Jones, Bruce Henry and Steve Ledford, along with County Manager Mike Benton. Commissioner Gerald Stunkel was absent. No attorney was present.