Washington County supervisors approve ambulance department hires

Staffing of the new Washington County Ambulance Department was increased by nine people when the County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Tuesday, May 12. The supervisors approved the recommendations of director Jeremy Peck to hire the following employees:

*Paramedics Jordan Wright, Chris Gerling and Brandon Chiles on a full-time basis at an hourly rate of $21.55;

*EMT's Trent Olson, Tanner Mingo, Hogan Miller, Tonia Rebling and Jamie Brame on a full-time basis at an hourly rate of $18.55 and

*Advanced EMT Daniel Stigers on a full-time basis at an hourly rate of $19.

Peck said that rounds out his staff of full-time employees but he would be back with recommendations for some part-time positions. A lease agreement for an ambulance facility was on the agenda under old business but was tabled until the next meeting.

Courthouse Reopening

Supervisor Jack Seward Jr. said reopening of the Washington County Courthouse is under discussion. He said a decision will be made upon information the county has received going forward. He also urged citizens to take personal responsibility noting that the COVID-19 virus is with us and will be in some form for the foreseeable future.

Tower Agreement

The supervisors approved an agreement with Interstate Power and Light Company to lease a tower at 220 East Third Street related to the radio equipment of the county engineer's department. County Engineer Jacob Thorius said the cost to lease the tower is $110 a month and the agreement runs for five years. The department has installed an antenna on top of the tower which it uses for communications purposes.

Other Business

In other business the supervisors:

*Approved the appointment of Aaron Wulf as the county's weed commissioner at a rate of $475 a month;

*Heard a report from Lynn Whaley of We Make It Go Away (WEMIGA) on activity in the months of March and April who reported the prices for selling materials to recycling companies remain very low and

*Discussed a COVID-19 update.