WASHINGTON
Following yet another discussion about an EMS Essential Services levy, ballots, and the amount, Washington County Supervisors Tuesday agreed to give the EMS Advisory Council time “to …
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WASHINGTON
Following yet another discussion about an EMS Essential Services levy, ballots, and the amount, Washington County Supervisors Tuesday agreed to give the EMS Advisory Council time “to digest” contents of a prepared memo written on the EMS levy to finance the services. The ballot, when finalized, is to be September 9. A key issue remains whether it will be 50¢ or 75¢ maximum per $1,000 property valuation. However, it was clearly stated that at present 50¢ is an agreed minimum with a possible 75¢ maximum.
No date has been set for a work session, although the board indicted it would be an agreement between them and the Council. The levy likely would be for 15 years, but it is possible it could be amended during that time.
During the discussion, the EMS service was highly praised for its work, noting that “it clearly was just short of a miracle” that it was established or, as noted by supervisor Marcus Fedler, the council managed the impossible of “herding cats” to do it.
The issue likely will be on next week’s agenda.
Much of the session dealt with detailed reports and requests for funding through fiscal 2026: General Assistance, $1,200; County Library Association, $159,000; WEDG, $23,000; Main Street Washington and Downtown Washington, $8,834. All had detailed reports, covering services, cents and more with copies available through the auditor’s office.
At the very conclusion of the requests, WEDG announced that grants to aid the Wellman and Kalona grocery stores had just been approved, providing each with a $25,000 grant to increase traffic to their stores with more offerings, marketing and possible pre-ordering of groceries. WEDG had assisted in providing the stores a list of possible grant sources.
Regular quarterly reports from the recorder, treasurer and auditor were acknowledged and accepted.
In other business, the board approved change orders for the Orchard Hill remodeling project of $1,010.85, $1,091 and $1,255.96.
The board also discussed a request from MidAmerican Energy Company regarding proposed construction of a natural gas pipeline in the county, and the setting of two informational meetings, one in Washington County from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the KC Hall in Washington and the second in Johnson County from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Hills Community Center, both on February 25.
Key discussion was the requirement of an on-site inspection and if Washington should work with Johnson County’s choice or hire its own inspector. The cost would be reimbursed by MidAmerican. They agreed to seek a quote for such services from ISG, Des Moines, with whom the county has worked previously and possibly check with Johnson County.