WASHINGTON CO. TO REIMBURSE CHAPPELL HILL VFD FOR FIRE ENGINE REPLACEMENT

  

Washington County has agreed to pay for an unexpected expense for the Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

Commissioners at their meeting today (Tuesday) voted to reimburse the department in the amount of $38,830 to replace a fire truck engine.  This came after a commissioner workshop last week where it was discovered that insurance did not take care of the cost for the engine.  

Fire Captain Dustin Brown said the county’s help is much appreciated.

County Judge John Durrenberger said this is an emergency situation for the community and surrounding areas, and that it is “crucial” to have the vehicle running properly.  Commissioner Candice Bullock said this is a “very critical component” required to meet the needs of the county.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath said expenses like this cannot be budgeted for, but the interlocal agreement the county has with the volunteer fire departments allows for these purchases.  He said the county appreciates all the departments do and that this is “an excellent use of our tax funds.”

Commissioner Dustin Majewski thanked Hermann International for working on the engine and keeping the price reasonable for the fire department.  Brown added to that, saying it “definitely could have been a whole lot more.”

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:

• Held executive session discussion regarding incentives for economic development purposes and the possible offer of financial or other incentives to Project Katydid, a business seeking to locate, stay or expand in Washington County.  No action was taken.
• Approved updated rental rates for the Washington County Expo.  Expo Director Harrison Williams said the rates have gone up to help offset the cost of inflation, mainly with electricity and water usage.  He said the Expo is still “quite competitive” when compared to surrounding facilities in this market.  The rate increases do not apply to the Expo barns, only the main buildings.
• Accepted a donation of tables, chairs and associated technology from Washington County 4-H for the Expo.  The monetary value of the donation is worth $5,000.
• Approved the position description for a courthouse deputy.  The fulltime deputy at the courthouse was included in this year’s budget.
• Approved the purchase of 12 radios from Motorola Solutions Inc. for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $50,913.  Durrenberger said the purchase will come from the radio contingency fund and the sheriff’s office small caps fund.
• Approved action on the completed roads located in the Bluebonnet Ridge subdivision in Precinct 2 to be placed into the maintenance phase for a one-year period and reducing the security/bond to 50 percent.  Roads affected include Bluebonnet Ridge Drive, Chapel View Lane, White Bud Trail, Sledge Court.  The roads will later be accepted into the county system.
• Approved a subdivision platting variance request for a land division fronting Stern Road in Precinct 2.
• Approved an oil and gas development permit for Magnolia Oil and Gas Operating, LLC on Bredthauer Road in Precinct 4.
• Discussed a formal notice for utility installation by NextLink in the Rhapsody Road, Daisy Drive, Cheri Lane, Heather Glen Street and Mustang Road rights of way within Precinct 2.
• Tabled the adoption of a citizen participation plan and the authorization of a grant administration services contract and engineering services contract for the Community Development Block Grant Regional Council of Governments Method of Distribution grant for Washington County.