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Board approves EMS director contract, signs off on staffing changes as ambulance RFP advances
Summary
Chickasaw County supervisors approved EMS Director Joel Knutson’s FY26–27 contract with a $3,500 pay increase, accepted two part‑time RN resignations, hired two part‑time CPR/drivers, and discussed an RFP for a new ambulance at their March 9 meeting.
Chairperson Hackman and the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors on March 9 approved an employment contract for EMS Director Joel Knutson that includes a $3,500 increase in pay for FY26–27 following a performance evaluation.
The motion to approve Knutson’s contract was made by Supervisor Carter and seconded by Supervisor Cerwinske. The roll-call vote recorded ayes from Carter, Cerwinske, Suckow and Hackman; Supervisor Breitbach abstained. The board authorized the chair to sign the contract.
During the same meeting the board approved two part‑time EMS resignations: Cally Hartson (effective March 5, 2026) and Tami Pries (effective March 2, 2026). The board also approved hires of two part‑time CPR/drivers, Jason Bierman and Raven Hirsch, both at $13.00 per hour with an effective date of March 16, 2026. Motions to accept the resignations and to approve the hires passed by roll call.
EMS Director Joel Knutson updated the board on the request-for-proposal process for acquiring a new ambulance and outlined next steps for procurement; the board discussed the RFP but made no procurement motion in the transcripted minutes.
The board’s personnel and contract actions were taken during a regular session that began at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 11:03 a.m. The Auditor noted routine administrative items earlier in the meeting, including mailings related to HF 718 for public notice of maximum levies.
What’s next: Knutson and county staff will continue work on the ambulance RFP; the board will sign the approved employment contract and proceed with hiring and onboarding of the approved EMS staff.
