Supervisors table decision on new Washington ambulance

The Washington County Board of Supervisors discussed the purchase an additional ambulance for the Washington County Ambulance Service at its Tuesday meeting.

Ambulance Department Director Jeremy Peck and members of his staff said the ambulances they looked at had updated safety features inside and outside the vehicle to protect patients and staff members. They also looked at service issues. They said the existing ambulances have reached the point where it does not make sense to continue to put more money into repairs.

The service solicited three quotes ranging from $244,707 to $285,847 although the two higher bids did not include all of the features the service is looking for.

Delivery would not take place until late summer or early fall of 2021.

Peck said the goal is safety and longevity. The board tabled the issue.

Covid Update

County Health Administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski updated the supervisors on COVID-19 activity in the county. She said to date, 8,254 people in the county have been tested. Of those, 1,327 have tested positive. To date, 667 have recovered. There have been 15 deaths in the county. In the last 14 days, there have been 373 new cases with 173 new cases in the last seven days. Seventeen patients are hospitalized in Washington County.

The 14-day rolling average positivity rate of people tested for Washington County is 18.5 percent, 20 percent for Jefferson County and 13.5% for Johnson County.

Roads Report

County Engineer Jacob Thorius delivered a quarterly report of activities of his department. During the quarter ending Sept. 30:

' 36,205 tons of rock were hauled to roads or road shoulders.

' 10 locations were permanently patched by county workers.

' Storm damage from the derecho was cleaned up.

' 427 signs were worked on.

' Trash removed from ditches included car parts, a table, a mattress and box spring, two couches and tires.

' Numerous construction projects were started or completed.

Other Business

In other business, the supervisors:

' Held a public hearing regarding an application from Douglas and Yvette Yansky for a minor plat in the unincorporated of Washington County then passed a resolution to approve the application.

' Passed a resolution regarding an adjustment to the fiscal year 21 budget appropriation.

' Chose Steve Davis to serve to serve on the Washington County Compensation Board.

' Discussed the recount of ballots cast in the race for U.S. Congress for Iowa's 2nd District which showed no difference from the original vote total.