Hot Springs County Commissioners made significant strides during their meeting on December 17, 2024, focusing on community engagement and essential service improvements. A key highlight was the recognition of Sue Jones, the first female chairman of the Carbon County Commission, who received the prestigious "Writing for the Brand Award" from the Wyoming County Commissioners Association (WCCA). This award celebrates outstanding contributions to local governance and marks a notable achievement in gender representation within county leadership.

In another groundbreaking development, Natalia Bakker from Teton County was elected as the first female and first Democratic chairperson of the WCCA. This election reflects a progressive shift in the association's leadership and underscores the importance of diverse representation in local government.

The meeting also addressed pressing issues in emergency medical services (EMS), with discussions centered on the increasing demand for volunteers. The commissioners emphasized the need for educational initiatives to inspire youth participation in EMS, aiming to bolster the volunteer workforce and ensure adequate emergency response capabilities in the community.

Additionally, the commissioners approved a request to exempt the county from the bidding process for auditing services. This decision was driven by the challenges rural counties face in securing professional services. The county has maintained a successful partnership with Garber, Florida James for the past three years, which has proven to be both cost-effective and reliable compared to other counties facing exorbitant auditing fees.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing community services and fostering inclusive leadership, setting a positive trajectory for future initiatives. The commissioners look forward to implementing these decisions and continuing to engage the community in meaningful ways.