Iroquois County emergency management staff reported that the county’s hazard mitigation planning process is nearing completion and will enter public forums in February before being sent to AIMA and then FEMA. The county discussed timing for public outreach and said the plan is on track to be finalized by July.

The report came during the Policy and Procedure Committee meeting on a date in August 2025. Scott (staff member) told the committee, “We have pretty much completed what is the plan process we followed…February 13, public forums will begin. This is the final stages before it gets sent off to AIMA and then on FEMA.”

The emergency manager also discussed accreditation efforts through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). He said missing items from an audit are being compiled and that he expects to complete required documentation without requesting an extension. He told the committee he has been working with a regional director and plans to finish outstanding accreditation materials within the required time frame.

On grants, the emergency manager told the committee he would delay applying for the EMP grant he had previously researched. “I’ve decided that I’m going to wait at least another 3 years before I apply,” he said, adding that the expected return on investment and staff hours required would not yet justify applying. He said strengthening the Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) and volunteer radio licensing would make future grant work more productive.

Committee members were informed the LEPC will meet on Feb. 19, and staff will develop an Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP) tied to the county’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) to guide future training and exercises. The emergency manager said his primary operational partners are local fire departments and that planned NIMS and related trainings will be tailored to those agencies.

The committee did not take formal action on the EMP application decision; the discussion was recorded as direction by staff to defer the grant application and complete accreditation materials.

The report also noted routine communications and public information efforts, including social media posts about winter weather, which county staff said were well received by residents.

Looking ahead, the committee recorded the upcoming public forums and accreditation completion as milestones for the county’s emergency management office.