WASHINGTON

In a quick-moving 14-minute regular session Tuesday, Washington County supervisors approved three new hires for the county ambulance services and tabled action on an amendment and an ordinance. They reconvened at 10 a.m. for a work session regarding the Timberline Estates III Subdivision.

In the regular meeting they approved hires for the county ambulance services: Chelsi Toeun, paramedic, at $38.11 hourly, effective Aug. 29; Brandee Kleopfer, paramedic, $33.78 hourly, effective Sept. 5; and Michael McElmeel, paramedic, $38.11 hourly, effective Sept. 5.

Approval for an amendment to the Fiscal 2024-25 Secondary Roads’ Five-Year Road Program was tabled to next week to allow time to complete the details in the amendment.

Also tabled was discussion and action about the language on the proposed election ballot regarding the establishment of Emergency Medical Services as an essential county service. The action is similar to that of other counties in the state; however, as noted Tuesday, the state has set protocols and procedures regarding establishment for the services, including a formal Advisory Council and the passage of a levy to aid with financing the services.

However, putting the levy, with a suggested “not more than 75¢ per $1,000 valuation” on the November ballot faces a deadline; as noted by supervisor Jack Seward Jr., “You have 50 days.” Equally important, as previously discussed by the board, is having an actual defined budget.

The motion to table action on the ordinance did not specify if it was to the next meeting, which is Sept. 3, after the Labor Day holiday.