§15-5-8. Local organization for emergency services.
Each political subdivision of this state is hereby authorized and directed to establish a local organization for emergency services in accordance with the state plan and program for the provision of emergency services. Such political subdivision may confer or authorize the conferring upon members of the auxiliary police the powers of peace officers, subject to such restrictions as it may impose.
Each local organization for emergency services shall consist of a director and a local emergency services council and such other members as may be required. The director shall be appointed by the executive officer or governing body of the political subdivision to serve at the will and pleasure of the executive officer or governing body and such political subdivisions are authorized to provide adequate compensation for him The local council shall consist of five members, appointed by the executive officer or governing body of the political subdivision: Provided, That not more than three members thereof shall be members of the same political party. Council members shall serve a term of years staggered to provide continuity of service in accordance with local needs, without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for the reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of their duties.
The executive officer or governing body of the political subdivision shall have general direction and control of the local emergency services organization and shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this article. The director, subject to the direction and control of such executive officer or governing body, shall be executive head of the local emergency services organization and shall be directly responsible to the executive officer or governing body for the organization, administration and operation of the local emergency services program. The local council shall advise the director on all matters pertaining to emergency services. Each local organization shall perform emergency service functions within the territorial limits of the political subdivisions within which it is organized and, in addition, conduct such functions outside of such territorial limits as may be required pursuant to the provisions of sections nine and ten of this article.
In carrying out the provisions of this article each political subdivision in which any disaster as described in section one of this article occurs shall have the power to enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to combat such disaster, protect the health and safety of persons and property and provide emergency assistance to the victims of such disaster. Each political subdivision is authorized to exercise its powers under this section in light of the exigencies of extreme emergency situations without regard to time-consuming procedures and formalities prescribed by law (excepting mandatory Constitutional requirements) pertaining to the performance of public work, entry into contracts, incurring of obligations, employment of temporary workers, rental of equipment, purchase of supplies and materials, levying of taxes and appropriation and expenditure of public funds.
