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Officials praise road crews and EMS for storm rescues; board criticizes snow-removal contractor performance
Summary
County leaders praised the road commission and EMS for life-saving work during a historic snowstorm and discussed emergency response; commissioners also criticized the snow-removal contractor’s performance and lack of a clear purchase order for continuous service.
Multiple members of the board used committee reports to highlight lifesaving work by the Alger County Road Commission and EMS during a historic snowstorm that blocked roads and isolated residents. The sheriff and emergency manager described two critical transports — an out-of-county laboring mother and an elderly patient needing surgery — that crews reached by plowing through drifts and coordinating loaders and ambulances with neighboring garages.
“As sheriff I can't speak more highly of it... they ushered a new life in to the world, and they saved a life,” the county’s sheriff said, praising road crews and EMS staff and announcing plans to send accommodation letters and awards. Commissioners and staff thanked volunteers and municipal crews who assisted during the response.
Several commissioners also criticized performance by the county’s contracted snow-removal provider, saying the contract language and invoicing/PO practices created confusion during the storm response and left county crews working excessive overtime. One commissioner said on the record that the contractor’s work order and PO status were unclear: “There is no PO on that contract that bid on that contract,” reflecting frustration over contract administration. Board members said the county should review contract compliance and clarify expectations before the next inclement event.
