The Rockwall County Commissioners Court Workshop Meeting held on June 11, 2025, focused primarily on the performance and future needs of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Jared Rossen, the head of the OEM, presented a comprehensive overview of the department's transition from a reactive to a proactive agency since he took leadership in 2021.

Rossen highlighted the department's significant achievements, noting that it has participated in eight emergencies this year, a stark contrast to the typical frequency of one disaster every few years for most emergency management offices. He emphasized the importance of their emergency messaging system, which reaches approximately 53,000 citizens, far exceeding the reach of local news agencies. Rossen also pointed out that the OEM has successfully generated a net positive of $338,000 for the county through grants, despite its operational costs of $330,000.

Rossen urged the court not to reduce the OEM's budget, arguing that the efficiency and revenue generation of the department are crucial for public safety. He underscored the qualifications of his team, which includes highly educated and experienced personnel, and mentioned the ongoing efforts to update the county's hazard mitigation action plan, a critical document for securing grant funding.

The discussion also touched on the OEM's role in overseeing the ambulance contract for Rockwall County, addressing resident complaints, and managing various grants. Rossen and his team are actively involved in ensuring compliance with performance metrics related to the ambulance service.

In response to questions from the court, Rossen explained the process for disseminating emergency alerts through the Nixle system, which automatically rebroadcasts weather warnings and allows for discretion in sending other messages. He noted that citizen feedback has indicated a desire for more frequent updates, contrary to concerns about overwhelming recipients with information.

Overall, the meeting underscored the OEM's proactive approach to emergency management and the importance of maintaining adequate funding to support its operations and initiatives. The court's support for the department's budget will be crucial in continuing its effective service to the community.