Bob Luman is officially a full-time EMA Director for Butler County.

The county commission approved a resolution making Luman full-time EMA Director during its April meeting. Previously, Luman was paid a $500 stipend per month to serve as part-time EMA Director. He will earn $22,000 annually, including insurance and retirement, as full-time EMA Director and future certification through the state will allow Luman to earn an additional estimated $18,000 in compensation.

Commission Chairman Jesse McWilliams said the move was a necessary one.

“We need a full-time EMA who can search for money out there and help us prepare for disasters,” said McWilliams. “Bob has the experience and the know-how and the state made money available if we were willing to take advantage of it.”

Luman’s first report to the county commission on Monday included details about the federal government’s recent declaration of Butler, and other central Alabama counties, as a disaster area due to the heavy storms that swept through the state in March and April. Butler County is eligible to apply for funds through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

In other business, the commission:

Approved a resolution to apply for a $400,000 Community Block Development Grant to pave 1.28 miles of Vickery Rd. as well as Butler Estates.

Approved a cemetery request for Forest Home Methodist Church, pending approval of the health department.

Approved a resolution for the August 2009 Sales Tax Holiday.