County Emergency Management Coordinators and agencies have a vital role in preparation for, response to, and recovery from disasters. County emergency management agencies are the backbone of the state’s emergency management system. They provide coordination of local resources and work in partnership with the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department (HSEMD) to ensure the emergency management and response communities have adequately planned, and are well-equipped, trained, and exercised.
Chapter 29C of the Code of Iowa authorizes the formation of Emergency Management Commissions. These commissions consist of mayors of the communities within the county, the county Sheriff and a member of the county Board of Supervisors. It is the responsibility of the commission to appoint an Emergency Management Coordinator to manage the county’s program.
Local rules and regulations concerning various environmental aspects of public health have been enacted. The Environmental Health Department has the responsibility to work with the public to maintain and improve our environment and by so doing, the overall health of the county.
Through this department, the Buena Vista County Board of Health contracts with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals to inspect restaurants & other food establishments, hotels, motels, and vending machines; with the Iowa Department of Public Health to inspect tanning beds, tattoo parlors and swimming pools; with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to administer the well testing, closure and rehabilitation program and the Septic Pumpers inspections.
This Department issues permits for septic systems, junkyards, and well construction. In addition, the Department is responsible for indoor air quality including radon; unsafe structures and nuisance complaints.
Ed Sohm
