By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Aug. 4 meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors, Health Services Director Jotham Arber provided a departmental update. Overall, reporting on the recently completed fiscal year, he said it had been “a pretty good year.” Arber pointed out a few highlights.
“Our immunizations, we’ll do a bunch in August. We go out and do the health fairs and whatnot,” he said. He also told of his surprise at seeing how many passports are obtained by residents of the county.
“Every year, I’m blown away by the total number of passports that come through,” he said. “New passports, there were 161; renewal/reviews 25, and then 244 pictures, so about 400 passports coming through for Guthrie County.”
Arber also reported on a significant decrease in animal bites reported to the county.
“This year, we were 50% lower than last year,” he said, detailing the number dropped from 31 to 14. Arber said the new ordinance regarding animal bites seems to be helping.
Arber shared his perspective that although RAGBRAI required lots of preparation and effort, he felt it was a good training for possible future situations the county may face.
“I think RAGBRAI was a great exercise,” Arber said. “And on the EMS side, it was great to see all the EMS agencies work together. I felt it was fairly seamless. It was just really a great opportunity to see Public Health, EMA, law enforcement and EMS work together.”
Arber shared information on operations at the transfer station. He said it would be great if the gravel road from Highway 44 to the transfer station could eventually be paved, but he understands that will be determined by the budget.
County Auditor Dani Fink described two budget amendments she recommends the supervisors consider. The supervisors set a public hearing on the two proposed budget amendments, to be held 9 a.m. on Aug. 25. Fink will have a notice of the hearing published as required.
County Engineer Josh Sebern shared information on funding agreements for White Pole Road rehabilitation and bridge replacement projects.
County Treasurer Brenda Campbell provided a departmental report.
No citizens addressed the supervisors during the Public Comments portion of the meeting.
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#