Ambulance purchase price doubles

Wind turbines were once again a topic of discussion at the weekly Jefferson County Board of Supervisors? meeting Monday.

Assistant county attorney Pat McAvan has been investigating the county?s options regarding decommissioning wind turbines. After consulting several people, McAvan has been unable to locate any sample ordinances.

However, because it?s a growing issue, he said a lawyer with the Iowa State Association of Counties will be meeting with executives in the wind industry and including decommissioning in their discussions.

McAvan also noted the board has the ability to grant tax assessment benefits for wind energy and suggested guidelines for decommissioning wind turbines could be a requirement to obtain the benefits.

Also Monday, supervisor Steve Burgmeier reported on the Jefferson County Ambulance Board?s intentions to purchase a new ambulance. It will cost nearly twice as much as the newest ambulance, which was purchased in 2005 for $85,000.

Although the county has bonded $100,000 for the ambulance, Burgmeier said it?s going to cost residents more than in the past.

For the complete article, see the Tuesday, August 4, 2009, Fairfield Ledger.