Reflecting on capital-project planning and funding
Pottawatomie County Public Works Director Peter Clark spoke to the county commission Monday about the opportunity to revise how capital projects within the county are planned, specifically for the next five years.
During his presentation, Clark pointed out that after 2020, funds from the Rural Highway Fund for capital expenditures will not be available.
He also said the county needs to take a more proactive approach so the commission is regularly discussing which projects it wants to prioritize and isn’t just discussing projects and how to fund them as needs arise.
Clark’s hope going forward is that this kind of planning, through work sessions and the commission’s weekly meetings, will become a regular part of the commission’s agenda.
Capital projects include the construction of roads, bridges and facilities as well as the purchasing of equipment.
In other Pottawatomie County Commission news…
New Emergency Medical Services equipment
Pottawatomie County Emergency Medical Services may soon have two brand new pieces of equipment in its arsenal.
The county commission moved for Hal Bumgarner, the EMS director, to move forward with applying for a state grant that will help pay for two new ventilators if awarded.
Bumgarner says even though the department already has ventilators, there is a need for modernizing some of their equipment.
In approving the application process to move forward, the commission also approved Bumgarner’s request that they commit $15,000 in matching funds, or 50 percent of the total cost of the two ventilators.
New county coroner
The commission approved a contract with Forensic Medical Management Services for a new county coroner.
The coroner perform tasks such as autopsies, assisting in investigations, coordinating with law enforcement in training and testifying in court.
Dr. Joel Hutchins previously served as the county coroner for about 30 years.
