By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on Jan. 6. Chair Steve Smith shared the recommendation from Brian Johnson and himself that the supervisors make a decision on the basic makeup of an EMS committee. He explained that the recommendation includes nine entities, but each entity would be able to designate a specific person who would serve on the nine-member committee.
Smith listed the nine recommended entities as city of Bayard, city of Bagley, Union Township, Adair Fire and Rescue, city of Guthrie Center, Guthrie County Hospital, city of Panora, city of Stuart, and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office. Smith stressed that the cities listed could choose anyone (a council member, city administrator, first responder, etc.). Smith also said the recommendation is for a larger ad hoc committee, but that would be determined by the nine-member committee, if approved.
Supervisor Maggie Armstrong voiced support for the recommendation. Supervisor Mike Dickson disagreed.
“I don’t like it,” Dickson said. “I don’t like the structure that you’re going with either. The rationale is you’re limiting it to nine. I’m thinking it needs to be larger. Why not give representation from each township?”
Smith said a larger committee creates challenges in assuring participation from all members, and that a larger ad hoc committee would allow for broader input. He also added that the final decisions would be made by the county supervisors.
“There are missing pieces, but we can add all of those to the ad hoc,” Smith said. He clarified that he believes the nine-member committee (if approved) should decide who is invited to any ad hoc committee.
The supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of the nine-member committee as proposed. Dickson voted against.
Becky Benton (State Street Insurance) presented information on insurance rates and coverage options for the county to consider. Guthrie County participates in coverage through ICAP (Iowa Communities Assurance Pool), which covers 75 of Iowa’s 99 counties. The supervisors reviewed and renewed the coverage.
The supervisors meet regularly on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person (at the courthouse) or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#