Supervisors approve agenda and promotion for EMT to paramedic; staff update Heritage Center water-damage repairs

The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors opened its Jan. 7 meeting by approving the agenda and then approved a staffing position change for the county EMS department.

The board approved a promotion of a county EMS employee from EMT to paramedic, with a rate increase from $16.74 per hour to $22.00 per hour, effective Jan. 6, 2025. The promotion was described as a recommendation from the director (identified in materials as Joe/Joel Knudson). The board heard that the payroll worksheets and paperwork reflecting the change had been provided to the payroll department; the motion to approve the position change was made and seconded and carried by voice vote.

Staff also provided a status update on water damage at the county’s Heritage Center. County staff reported that contractors (ServicePro) and others had removed chemical canisters and piping, an apparent gas valve issue was repaired by Black Hills Energy, temporary lighting was installed by an electrician, and a dumpster was placed at the site. The county arranged a noon meeting with the vice chair, county attorney and an insurance adjuster to review what damage ServicePro should remediate and to avoid unnecessary demolition of walls and insulation. Staff said temporary insulation had been installed earlier and a local contractor is on standby if insulation needs to be reinstalled to keep the building weather-protected. Staff noted the building could not be re‑opened without appropriate temporary insulation on the west wall because of cold temperatures.

The board carried the agenda approval and the EMS position change; no further formal action was recorded on the Heritage Center repairs at the Jan. 7 meeting.