Commissioners continue to work on EMS department

The Marion County Board of Commissioners met in special session at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 29. in the Commission chambers at the Marion County Courthouse with Chairman David Mueller, Comm. Jonah Gehring, Comm. Kent Becker, Comm. Dave Crofoot, and Comm. Randy Dallke present. Also

present was Co. Clerk Tina Spencer.

Emergency Management Services Interim Dir. Chuck Kenney noted that the pay structure, schedule, and benefits for the department need to be re-evaluated and updated in order to prevent potential dissolution of the service. After discussion, the Board directed Kenney to work with the County Clerk’s Office to develop budget estimates for increasing wages and potentially decreasing the number of full-time staff (supervisor positions) to help cover the cost. Kenney was also instructed to bring back some proposals for revised scheduling and an updated leave policy that is more in line with industry standards.

Kenney and the board also discussed developing and implementing a broader tuition grant program.

The topics of transfers and services provided to hospitals were discussed, but no solutions were reached.

The board authorized Interim Director Kenney to develop a fee schedule for hospitals to pay when EMS is requested to perform services at any hospital/higher level facility.

Mueller moved for Marion County EMS to bill hospitals for any outgoing transfer from one hospital or

facility to another. Gehring seconded and the motion carried 3-2 with Becker and Dallke opposed. Becker and Dallke both expressed that they would like the local hospitals to be aware before making a change.

The Board thanked Kenney and all EMS employees for their service.

In other business, the board:

n learned that sales tax for the month of May 2022 has been received in the amount of $84,937.59.

n approved payday in the amount of $2,384,387.47.

n voted to stay consistent with last year’s practice and pay for flu shots for non-insured County

employees and their immediate family members. Flu shots will be offered to all County employees and immediate family members and billed to any applicable health insurance.

n County Engineer Brice Goebel presented area fuel bids for review. Epp’s Service was the only bidder: Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 1,400 gals. 1,950 gals. 1,950 gals. Total 4.079 = $5,710.60 4.179 = $8,149.05 4.059 = $7,915.05 $21,774.70. The purchase from Epp’s Service was approved.

n expressed no objection to paying a down payment of $3,000.00 for the grapple fork approved at the last meeting with the balance due at delivery. But after discussion, the board did not move forward with the purchase of a used mini-excavator from Foley/Cat.

n heard various road and bridge updates from Goebel.

Due to the voting activities, there will not be another commissioner meeting until Monday, Aug. 8.

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