WINFIELD TWP — The newest regionalization effort in southeastern Butler County is for emergency management coordination.

Winfield secretary Adam Hartwig, who also is the emergency management coordinator for Winfield and Jefferson townships, said the idea is to have one coordinator and one emergency center for multiple municipalities.

Hartwig said a possible conglomeration could consist of Winfield, Jefferson, Buffalo, Clinton and Clearfield townships. He expects to contact officials in those townships to talk about this idea.

He said there is a significant cost to equip an emergency center, including $10,000 for a backup generator.

Hartwig said a municipality such as Winfield cannot afford such an expense.

“I can’t ask my board for $20,000,” he said.

However, Hartwig said Winfield could share the cost.

“Regionalization is a way for municipalities to do more, but not spend more,” he said.

Hartwig said Winfield’s municipal building has sufficient space to be an emergency center.

Steve Bicehouse, Butler County emergency services director, said an emergency center should have multiple phone lines, wireless data connection, showers and a kitchen.

Bicehouse said centers typically are in fire halls or municipal buildings.

Hartwig said having one coordinator for multiple municipalities also simplifies the process when an emergency occurs.

Bicehouse said the coordinator, typically a volunteer post, is a vital position that serves as a liaison with police, fire and EMS services as well as the municipal board, the county and, by extension, state and federal agencies.

“It’s not a job that should be taken lightly,” he said.

The county offers training for people who are appointed emergency management coordinators.

Bicehouse said municipalities who don’t have certified coordinators and center could lose funding.

“If they are not compliant, they’re at risk for getting government grants,” he said.

Hartwig said he expects the state to push for more regionalization of emergency services in coming years.