By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors on June 25, the supervisors considered contracting with a firm to support the county’s communications related to the efforts to develop a countywide EMS system.
Eileen Wixted of Wixted & Company gave a presentation about how her firm could support the county in developing a communication plan related to the expected EMS ballot measure that will be voted on in the November 2024 election.
Wixted explained that if the county agrees to contract with her firm, the basic timeline would be developing a plan in July and to have the communication plan fully active by late August or early September. Following Wixted’s presentation, she exited the meeting. The supervisors then discussed her proposal.
Supervisor Steve Smith said he heard what he was hoping to hear.
“It feels comprehensive,” Smith said.
Maggie Armstrong spoke in favor of the plan and acknowledged it will be a big job.
“It’s going to be a heavy lift for all of us,” she said.
Smith agreed.
“We’ve come this far. We need to move ahead with steam and vigor,” Smith said.
The supervisors voted unanimously to approve the agreement with Wixted & Company.
Other board of supervisor news
The supervisors discussed the RFP bids for EMS services.
Jotham Arber held a brief discussion with the supervisors about developing a plan for how the county would handle disposal of debris if/when the county experiences a disaster similar to the recent tornado in Greenfield. He suggested developing contingencies ahead of time for any future need. No formal action was taken at this time.
As part of the consent agenda, the supervisors approved a fireworks permit for Weston Grow of rural Guthrie Center, as well as the hiring of a new jailer, Kelcee Hodzic.
The next regular meeting of the supervisors will be Tuesday, July 2. The public is welcome. Attendees may participate in person or by calling 323-792-6123 and inputting conference ID 547029216#.