Allegany County lawmakers on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to approve the creation of a new, full-time position of Deputy Director within the Office of Emergency Management. The resolution takes effect today. The final vote was 14-0 with one lawmaker absent (Dwight “Mike” Healey). According to records, Leg. Steve Havey of Wellsville (Chair of the Public Safety Committee) moved to approve the creation of the position and was seconded by Leg. Kevin (Fred) Demick of Angelica. According to information provided to legislators well before the meeting, the position would be 100% funded by the county. The annual salary was listed as $63,800-$69,100 with the cost of annual benefits shown as $26,777. In the rationale, it was noted the need for the role to give authority to sign documents and take charge is the absence of the Director; to efficiently make quicker decisions and will establish a clear succession plan of authority. Leg. Havey, during an interview Friday morning, told WRN that “EMS and Emergency Management needs a Deputy.” Havey said he strongly supported this job creation and said “it is necessary.” Havey said that Scott Golden is the newest Director of Emergency Management. He will conduct the interviews and make his recommendation to the legislature. Currently Bonnie VanHousen is the interim Deputy Director and is the EMS Coordinator.
