WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE NEW POWER RECEPTACLES FOR EMS VEHICLES

  

Washington County Commissioners approved using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase new power receptacles for the EMS vehicle fleet at their meeting today (Tuesday).

The $39,136 in ARPA funding will go toward the installation of Kussmaul Auto Eject shore power receptacles in all of the EMS vehicles, a total of 12 units.  The cost, quoted by Frazer from Houston, includes parts and labor.

EMS Director Kevin Deramus said each of the department’s vehicles use this system to keep equipment inside charged.

 

Deramus said this was a project the department deemed a priority for ARPA funding due to safety.  He said the new receptacles will be less of a hazard and should save money over time.

 

The cost breakdown to retrofit the fleet with the new auto eject receptacles is $3,220 per each of the seven EMS units and the Urban Command Vehicle, including $1,375 for parts and $1,845 for labor; $3,339 for each of the three Ford Explorers, $1,125 for parts and $2,214 for labor; and $3,359 for the Ford F-150, $1,145 for parts and $2,214 for labor.

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:

• Passed a resolution supporting Operation Green Light for veterans.
• Approved a request from Neyland Bridge Construction for a price increase on its 2022 drive bridge piling contract with the county, which covers all labor and equipment costs associated with authorized county bridge construction. The adjustment raises the contract cost from $350 per hour to $400 per hour.
• Authorized the county engineer to seek bids for the 2023 annual bid items including drive bridge piling; bulk and fleet fuel; oils, asphalts and emulsions; road construction materials; and steel products. Bids will be due to the county on December 12^th at 9 a.m.  The county will accept a bid during its December 13^th
• Discussed a formal notice from GeoSouthern Operating II, LLC for a temporary above ground lay flat water line on Wickel and Fuchs Road in Precinct 4.
• Approved the 2023 county holiday schedule.
• Set the dates and times for commissioners court meetings of 2023 at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays, with the second Tuesday of the month designated as the regular meeting and the first, third, fourth and fifth Tuesdays as special meetings.