Local News

Chris-Mont EMA Appears Doomed

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 14:05:54 CST
It's no longer a matter of "One Team, One Fight". Christian and Montgomery Counties have been allied forces in the battle against Covid 19, but the merger of emergency management operations under the banner of Chris-Mont EMA appears doomed. after a year and a half after the merger of emergency services, Christian County is asking for a divorce, seeking to end the arrangement. Director Greg Nimmo has resigned effective tomorrow (Friday). County Board Chairman Evan Young reports the Christian County Board’s personnel committee decided it wanted to sever the partnership. The Chris-Mont EMA agreement runs through November 30th. The merger was inspired in part by a vision of consolidating 911 services but Montgomery County opted to maintain its own 911 service. Nimmo's salary is covered by the State of Illinois. Montgomery County board members now have a problematic task as the EMA Chief is a part-time psoition. In the meantime with what appears to be a sudden collapse of the Chris-Mont EMA operation, the board is turning to Sheriff Rick Robbins to help on an interim basis. Robbins said County Clerk and Recorder Sandy Leitheiser could also help fill some of the duties based on her training.