Osage County declares state and local disaster emergency after winter storm

Osage County commissioners voted Jan. 9 to proclaim a state and local disaster emergency after a recent snowstorm, citing potential eligibility for state and federal assistance.

The declaration, recorded as Resolution 2025-01, passed unanimously after a motion and second. Chris Howard, the county's new emergency management director, told the commission the declaration was requested by the regional office so affected jurisdictions could pursue assistance: "We're asked to declare, so that should we get some assistance and we can help, especially with the small budget communities," Howard said.

The move follows a statewide proclamation reported to the commission. Howard said he received an email from regional director JD Marshman and that the governor issued a disaster proclamation Jan. 4; Howard asked the commission to sign the county declaration so staff could upload it to the state emergency management website.

Commissioners did not specify a dollar estimate for damages during the meeting; Howard said crews had reported some road and equipment breakdowns and that FEMA assistance determinations rely in part on whether snowfall reaches near-record levels. The resolution language and the commission's vote were limited to declaring the emergency; commissioners said the signed form would be uploaded and that staff would follow up with state officials about next steps and potential reimbursement processes.

The board voted without recorded dissents. The declaration will be sent to the state emergency management system and used to support further requests for disaster assistance if required.