WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE NEW RIGHT-OF-WAY PROGRAM

  

Washington County Commissioners approved the adoption of a county right-of-way program at today’s (Tuesday) meeting.

This program will establish county right-of-way permits and applications, as well as any corresponding fees and fines.  Commissioners will work with Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke to enforce the program, which deals with recreational events that use county roads and right-of-ways.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Joy Fuchs said that the commissioners have been eyeing these changes for some time, as to this point, they have had little to no authority to regulate roads.  She said that this is “the most by law” they can do to control public roads, and that this program does not interfere with private property.

Commissioner Luther Hueske stated that the maximum fine for violating the new program is $500, while fees for permits are $100.

In other items, commissioners approved the purchase of new EMS equipment, after the item was tabled at last week’s meeting.  The new equipment consists of five LIFEPAK monitors and one Chest Compression System.  These items are being paid for by a tobacco lawsuit settlement fund, which goes towards health-related causes.  The new equipment costed over $182,000.

Commissioners also amended the contract with Aramark Correctional Services LLC, who is in charge of food services at Washington County Jail.  Aramark’s five-year contract with the county allows for an annual escalation in prices of no more than three percent.  The new prices equate to just over a nickel increase in price per meal per inmate, around $2.13.

Commissioners also approved several small budget line-item transfers and amendments.