Jasper Board Discusses Ambulance Needs

Jasper county board members Thursday discussed how to assist ambulance service in the county.

Members of the Board's ambulance committee heard this week that the employees of the service are tired both mentally and physically, and are working many extra hours. The report is that the office has not received an application for a job for four months.

There was discussion of offering an EMT basic class, but board members also discussed pay raises as a way to retain or attract new employees.

The Board also discussed a tax referendum to support the ambulance service. Meetings are planned March 22 and April 19. The thought is to utilize school buildings as locations for the meetings.

Board members Thursday also heard from Alan Moore and former state representative David Reis regarding the Violet Solar Project in Jasper County. Apex develops, constructs and operates clean energy assets. Information was shared on a timeline to begin operation, as well as anticipated revenue from the proposed venture.

The Board voted to impose an animal control fee. The plan is for a $100 fee for each impoundment per animal. The fee will be charged for impoundments within incorporated areas of the county, including Newton, Hidalgo, Rose Hill, Ste. Marie, Wheeler, Willow Hill and Yale. Board members also passed a resolution in support of law enforcement. The measure comes in the wake of the police reform measures implemented by the State in 2021. Also approved were revisions to the county's liquor ordinance, described as the first changes in several years.

The Jasper board also voted to hire Andrew Deters as county engineer, filling the vacancy created by Ben Bland's retirement.