Centerville Creates a Formal Citizen Corps Committee for Emergency Preparedness

Centerville now has a formal, code-based committee dedicated to helping residents get ready for emergencies. The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-16 on Aug. 18, adding Section 3.03.100 to the municipal code and creating the Centerville Citizen Corps Committee.

Why it matters

The city has supported the Citizen Corps idea for years. The ordinance notes that Centerville set up an informal Citizen Corps Council back in 2008 by resolution. The new ordinance turns that informal group into an official advisory committee to the City Council, with defined membership, public meetings and clear duties focused on emergency and disaster planning, response and recovery.

How the committee is set up

• Size: Five to 11 members, appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council.
• Who can serve: People with interest or knowledge in emergency and disaster planning. The ordinance encourages a mix of backgrounds, such as emergency management, law enforcement, fire, schools, weather, medical, animal services, faith-based groups, volunteer organizations, the chamber of commerce and communications.
• Terms: Staggered three-year terms, which may be renewed.
• Pay: None. Members are volunteers, though they may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses or training.
• Leadership: The committee elects a chair and vice chair each year. A council member may serve as a non-voting liaison.

What it will do

According to the ordinance, the committee will promote community involvement in emergency planning, carry out preparedness projects as directed by the mayor or council, and oversee training and disaster-planning programs for residents, businesses and other groups.

Its meetings must follow Utah’s Open and Public Meetings Act, so agendas will be posted publicly and minutes kept by the City Recorder. That means residents will be able to follow, and attend, the committee’s work.

Want to get involved?

The ordinance does not list an application process or current members. Residents interested in serving or in preparedness resources can start with the city’s Emergency Management page or contact City Hall at 801-295-3477.

See more on our Centerville page and in the latest Davis County news.