Ray County’s fire, police and sheriff’s officials warn without a unified plan, the county could be left scrambling when the next emergency hits. Commissioners recently invited local police, fire and sheriff’s office officials, along with city leaders, to discuss ways the county can better prepare for emergencies ranging from floods and tornadoes to chemical spills and mass casualty events. Participants agreed Ray County needs a dedicated emergency management director, but funding such a position remains out of reach. “If we all have that wish list, what we’d really like is a director who can coordinate everyone in case of an emergency,” stated Presiding Commissioner Shelia Tracy. “When we’ve looked at the cost of doing that, as the budget is right now, it’s difficult. We all know these budgets are getting harder and harder, so it doesn’t look like that is at the end of the rainbow for us in the near future.” Instead, officials discussed relying on volunteer coordination while…