Each political subdivision must establish an emergency management organization by ordinance or resolution passed by the legislative body of the political subdivision. Two or more political subdivisions may join in the establishment of an emergency management organization.

(1) Each political subdivision must establish said organization by ordinance or resolution.

(2) Each political subdivision shall specify in the ordinance or resolution establishing the organization, how the costs of supporting the organization shall be shared between the constituent political subdivision.

(3) If two or more political subdivisions cannot agree on the sharing of costs to support the emergency management organization established by the constituent political subdivisions, the director shall refer the matter to the council. The council shall consider the matter at either a regular or special meeting. The council may request additional information from the constituent political subdivisions, the director, or other interested party(s). The council shall arbitrate the matter, and its decision shall be final.

(4) When two or more political subdivisions submit ordinances or resolutions establishing a single emergency management organization which meets the criteria set forth, the director shall inform the executive heads of the constituent political subdivisions that the emergency management organization is acceptable and authorized. Nothing in this code shall prevent one or more political subdivisions from contracting with another subdivision for emergency management activities under the provisions of chapter 39.34 RCW, the Interlocal Cooperation Act.

(5) Each political subdivision must specify in the ordinance or resolution establishing the emergency management organization, that the agency shall be headed by a director of emergency management who shall be appointed by and directly responsible to the executive head of the political subdivision.

(6) In the case of an emergency management organization established by two or more political subdivisions, such political subdivisions shall specify in the ordinance or resolution establishing the organization, that the local government agency shall be headed by a local director of emergency management who shall be appointed by the joint action of the executive heads of the constituent political subdivisions. The political subdivisions shall specify by ordinance or resolution that the emergency management director shall be directly responsible to the executive authority of the constituent political subdivisions.

(7) Each political subdivision shall specify by ordinance or resolution that the local director of emergency management shall be directly responsible for the organization, administration, and operation of the emergency management organizations.

(8) Each political subdivision shall submit a copy of the ordinance or resolution establishing its emergency management organization to the director for evaluation and approval of the organizational plan or structure.

(9) Such ordinance or resolution shall constitute an approved organization for the purposes of RCW 38.52.195 and 38.52.260(2). Use of emergency workers is governed by chapter 118-04 WAC.