2021 RECAP: WASHINGTON CO. JUDGE JOHN DURRENBERGER

  

With time closing out on 2021, KWHI is visiting with Washington County officials to get their thoughts on this year and how they and their administrations handled the issues thrown their way.

Next is Washington County Judge John Durrenberger, who gave his input on the county’s biggest accomplishments and challenges of the year.

Durrenberger said the county’s “very firm financial footing” and implementation of mid-year pay raises for county employees are strong positives to take from this year.  However, he is particularly proud of the success of the Regional Vaccination subHUB, which provided over 65,000 COVID-19 vaccinations over a 10-week period starting in January.

 

Continued issues with COVID-19, along with harsh conditions caused by Winter Storm Uri, were the largest contributors to adversity for the county this year.  Durrenberger also said the county is looking to find new leadership for its E-911 and Engineering and Development Services departments, following the departure of E-911 Director Kristi Stamnes and County Engineer Ross McCall.

 

Durrenberger believes the attitude and commitment of county employees will carry the county through 2022 and beyond.

 

Durrenberger is entering his fourth year as county judge after being elected in 2018, defeating former county judge John Brieden in the March Republican primary and running unopposed in November.  Durrenberger will not have competition in next year’s primary or general election.