The Jasper County Board at its August meeting approved the purchase of an ambulance from Foster Coach Ambulance for $131,000. It was reported that the bids were received on March 25 and the companies honored them. The other bid received was from American Response Vehicles for $132,000. Joe Bierman, County Board member, stated that the money is budgeted and available for the purchase of the ambulance.
The Board also agreed to hire Bruce Harris & Associates to do mapping and splits for $85 per split for 1 year with the county to revisit the agreement in 1 year at an estimate cost of $10,000.
In the Road and Building Committee report it was stated that the Buck Grove Road repair work had been completed; the Sheriff's Committee had examined claims, discussed liability issues and the new generator. They also discussed what to do with the old generator and stated that the fiber optic line had been repaired. Also reported was that the steps at the courthouse are finished and that Jesse Watkins, courthouse maintenance, will caulk around the handrails.
It was also commented on that they are having problems with people trashing the County Office Building parking lot.
The Economic Development Committee had a meeting on August 3 and reported that they had toured the new St. Thomas of the Apostle Church. It was also reported that the City of Newton had applied for a $750,000 trails grant to Sam Parr State Park. They City also received the housing rehabilitation grant to be used on the DuFrain Park area homes that qualify. Blue Northern has built a supply building in the industrial park south of Newton.
The Jasper County Health Department Committee reported that they are running behind on grant monies.
