WASHINGTON

In the 20 minutes prior to going into closed session, the Washington County Board of Supervisors considered the remodeling project at Orchard Hill that may start Thursday and okayed other personnel changes and liquor and tobacco licenses.

The closed session was under Iowa Code Section 31.5, “to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered.” Following the session, the board was to discuss and take possible action regarding the open position for Director of the Washington County Ambulance Service.

During the open segment, the board unanimously approved a 10-percent rate increase for county ambulance emergency medical services. Interim director Katrina Altenhofen explained the increase reflects similar ones in other county ambulance departments.

In terms of cost, the current rate for basic emergency life service would go from $575 to $625 and non-emergency from $1,000 to $1,100, levels of emergency from $750 to $825, $1,000 to $1,100 and $1,400 to $1,550. The ambulance services refusal fee goes from $250 to $275 and the event standby fee from $100 per hour to $200. All will be effective July 1.

In personnel changes, the board approved an hourly raise from $23.25 to $24.35 for Brett Houston, county jailer; official termination for Ross Donelson, also county jail, effective April 26, who left for another position; and official termination for Davis Barnes, Secondary Road Foreman for 24 years, who retired effective June 3.

Following a brief public hearing, the board acknowledged the animal feeding operation plan at 1595 Highway 1 for Troy Utszinger after noting all state/local requirements were met.

In other business, the board approved renewing a one-year Class E liquor license for the Richmond Amvets Post 107, and a cigarette/tobacco/nicotine/vape permit for Ainsworth Four Corners, 3112 Highway 92, as well as renewing its one-year Class E liquor license.