Mayor's emergency powers and worker protections

(a) The power to declare a state of disaster or emergency by proclamation, promulgate emergency rules having the force and effect of law, and make allotments of funds appropriated or available for emergency management is conferred on the mayor. (b) All County employees are considered emergency workers during a declared emergency. (c) All County employees, accepted volunteers, and non-governmental organization workers providing services in coordination with the County, except in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness shall not be liable for death and injury to persons or property damage as an act or omission in the course of employment of duties. (d) The mayor may exercise the following additional powers in an emergency period: (1) Suspend any County law that impedes or tends to impede or be detrimental to the expeditious and efficient execution of, or to conflict with, emergency functions; (2) Shut off water mains, gas mains, electrical power connections, or suspend other services; (3) To the extent permitted by or under Federal law, authorize any actions necessary to ensure continuity of electronic media transmission; and (4) Direct and control the mandatory evacuation of the civilian population. (2022, ord 22-103, sec 3; am 2025, ord 25-90, sec 3.)7-1-7 7-5 SUPP. 19 (1-2026) Article 2. Disaster Control. * * Editor’s Note: Sections 7-5 through 7-7 were repealed by Ordinance 22-103.