EOG donation moves county closer to EMA drone purchase

Carroll County commissioners accepted another donation toward the county Emergency Management Agency’s drone program during their May 18 meeting, as Director Tom Cottis said they are nearing the halfway point toward purchasing the equipment without using taxpayer funds.

Representatives from EOG Resources presented a $5,000 donation to the EMA during the meeting. Cottis and Deputy Director Dustin Lucas accepted the contribution on behalf of the agency.

“We certainly appreciate Carroll County’s partnership with us in oil and gas,” said JD Marlatt, surface landman I for EOG Resources, during the presentation. He was joined by EOG representative Kayla McClain.

Marlatt said the company wanted to help ensure the county has the tools needed for emergency response operations.

“Each person in this room, this county and all the state corridors that drive through Carroll County every day depend on the EMA office, and we want to make sure that they have all the resources available necessary to do their job to the fullest extent,” Marlatt said.

Cottis said the donation moves the county significantly closer to purchasing the drone, which officials have said will improve emergency response capabilities and help with hazardous materials incidents and search operations.

“With this donation, we’re getting real close to our halfway point now,” Cottis said. “We’re trying to get this drone without having to go to the taxpayer and I believe we will be able to do that.”

Commissioner Robert Wirkner praised both the EMA staff and local industry partners for supporting the project and noted the importance of emergency preparedness as oil and gas activity continues throughout the county.

Cottis also said the county’s recent emergency exercise demonstrated the value the drone program could bring to future responses and training scenarios.

“We’re going to be able to grow our exercise plus our response,” he said.

Commissioners later presented letters of commendation to Cottis and Lucas for organizing and leading the county’s recent Local Emergency Planning Committee full-scale emergency exercise held May 9 on Cactus Road.

Wirkner, who chairs the LEPC, praised the pair for their leadership and planning efforts.

“The time and effort devoted to initiatives such as this demonstrates a commitment to public safety and preparedness that benefits all residents of Carroll County,” Wirkner read from the commendation letter.

The letter also noted the exercise strengthened interagency cooperation and emergency preparedness capabilities throughout the county.

Commissioners additionally approved a pay increase for Lucas, citing his completion of extensive emergency management training requirements tied to his future certification as an emergency management director.

Wirkner said Lucas completed all currently available state-required courses and is waiting for the remaining classes to become available through the state.

“The Emergency Management Agency has stepped up to the plate, and we appreciate your effort,” Wirkner said.

In other business, commissioners:

—PAID the bills of $100,891.23.

—ACCEPTED the resignation of Assistant Clerk II Eva Johnson effective May 29 and approved advertising to fill the position.

—APPROVED the Carroll County Job and Family Services employee retention incentive plan for state fiscal year 2026. JFS Director Jennifer Burns said employees can receive up to $2,600 annually if attendance and work requirements are met.

—ACCEPTED the notice of acceptability of work from Thrasher for the Leesville storm sewer project.

—APPROVED blanket work orders for permacoat mix for the Village of Magnolia and Fox Township trustees.

—APPROVED a driveway permit for Annabelle and Benjamin Blankenship on Avalon Road in Brown Township.

—APPROVED the hiring of James Shaw as a full-time Carroll County Transit driver and Pamela Dray as a part-time driver pending completion of background checks.

—HEARD from Transit Director Sonja Trbovich that the county will receive two fully funded replacement transit vehicles through a state grant program. She informed commissioners she will also be filing for another grant.