WASHINGTON CO. EMC RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke was recognized for his work in helping lead the county through the COVID-19 pandemic at today’s (Tuesday) meeting of Washington County Commissioners Court.
Ruemke was presented a certificate of recognition from the state thanking him for coordinating the county’s pandemic response and for his continued contributions to the community.
Ruemke was given the certificate by State Representative and former Grimes County Judge Ben Leman. Leman said coordinating an emergency response is difficult enough when planning for a disaster previously experienced, but becomes a beast of its own when the disaster is unprecedented.
Ruemke was thankful for the recognition, but reiterated it was not his efforts alone that organized the county’s disaster response.
Each of the commissioners thanked Ruemke for his efforts, with Commissioner Kirk Hanath saying having a unified disaster response between the City of Brenham and Washington County has been and continues to be very important. Commissioner Joy Fuchs said this pandemic has been a test for everyone involved, but good leadership was in place to work through it. Commissioner Don Koester said Ruemke is there and ready to help any time he is needed.
Also at today’s meeting, commissioners approved a reduction in the speed limit of Nicholson Lake Road in Chappell Hill from Highway 290 to Chadwick Hogan Road. The action came after a public hearing in which no one spoke. The speed limit will be reduced from the unposted 60 mph standard to 35 mph.
Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:
- Tabled action on the presidential memorandum on deferring payroll tax obligations in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The deferral would allow employees whose regular pre-tax wages in a bi-weekly pay period fall below $4,000 to receive funds usually taken out by taxes from September 1st through December 31st. The item was tabled to allow county officials more time to receive more specific and clear guidance from the appropriate authoritative bodies.
- Met in executive session to discuss economic development negotiations with Brenham Economic Development Director Susan Cates. No action was taken.
- Heard an update from Telebehavioral Care Director Carly McCord on the county’s Telebehavioral Care programs.