Washington County sees four more COVID deaths

Washington County Emergency Management Agency coordinator Marissa Reisen told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that four more people in the county died of COVID-19 over the weekend.

During the supervisors' regular meeting, Reisen said on Nov. 30, 113 people were tested in the county and 36 tested positive bringing the total number of people testing positive to date in the county to 1,466. In the 17-county region, there are 551 hospital beds available, 77 intensive care beds and 218 ventilators available. She said the rolling 14-day positivity rate for the county is 18.1 percent.

New Ambulance

The Washington County Board of Supervisors revisited the subject of the purchase a new ambulance for the Washington County Ambulance Service. Ambulance Department Director Jeremy Peck 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 serviceability issues. They said the existing ambulances have reached the point where it does not make sense to continue to putting money into repairs.

The service solicited three quotes which ranged from $244,707 to $285,847 although the two higher bids did not include all the features the service is looking for. Delivery would not take place until late summer or early fall of 2021.

About $50,000 in additional equipment would need to be purchased upon delivery. All three ambulance bids excluded that equipment. The supervisors approved the request.

Peck said the service will be trading in three cardiac monitors that are inoperable and purchasing three new ones. The service is applying for CARES funds to underwrite the purchase, but it must be made regardless. The board approved the purchase at a cost $51,000.

Personnel Changes

The supervisors approved the following personnel changes:

' Sarah Garrett changed from full time to regular part time in the Sherriff's Office.

' Paramedic Brandee Kleopfer left employment in the Ambulance Department Nov. 20.

' Duane Royer had the current 5 percent of his wage allocated to the GIS Department removed.

' Regular six-month raises for employees in the Ambulance Department ranging from 39 cents to $1.21 per hour.

Other Business

In other business, the supervisors:

' Held a public hearing and then sold some county-owned real estate in block 1 of Crayne's Addition in West Chester to high bidder Brian Tobin of West Chester with a bid of $6,500.

' Acknowledged a contribution of $50 to the K-9 fund.