Commissioners renew EMS backup contracts

The Board of Commissioners held their regular weekly meeting on Wednesday, June 5. They performed regular business, such as appropriations and passing agreements. An appropriation is simply the term for money that is set aside for a specific purpose. It’s a term used often in government meetings, especially at the commissioner’s office where they are responsible for much of the budget for the county. When county dollars have a place to go, commissioners approve an appropriation for those dollars. This could be money heading to another government entity such as the Department of Job and Family Services, or it could simply be moving around within the commissioner’s office funds so it can be used for a specific purpose.

Commissioners typically pass several appropriations each week. This week money was being allocated for the Health Department, the Water/Sewer District Board, and the Common Pleas Court General Division.

Last year, a hot topic for the county was the need for a backup EMS service. The hospital was withdrawing their services and commissioners worked to find an alternative so residents would not be without emergency medical services. In June 2023, commissioners signed contracts with both the Hopedale Fire Department and the Bowerston Fire Department, splitting the county’s backup EMS between the two entities. This was negotiated and at times thought to be a temporary solution for the problem at hand. The contracts were for one year and set to be up on July 1, 2024.

At this most recent meeting, both contracts were renewed with a three year agreement, instead of one, expiring on July 1, 2027. This more permanent solution should give county residents some comfort as this is an important service and the longer the county can maintain it, the more safe residents can feel.

Commissioners also announced there will be a blood driv put on by WVU Medicine at the Harrison Community Hospital on June 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The drive will be held at the hospital cafeteria located at 951 E. Market St. in Cadiz. All donors will be entered into Vitalant’s Summer Adventure Gas Giveaway for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. Each donor will also receive a $10 giftcard via email.