Brian A. Donaldson, Chief of Emergency Medical Services reported on 2020 activity, finances, and personnel during his annual report presented to the Waushara County Board of Supervisors at their regular meeting held Oct. 19th at the Waushara County Courthouse, Wautoma.
Donaldson presented the board with a written report as well as giving a power point presentation. The written report included: “In general, we have seen staffing challenges increase over the recent years. Continuing attrition in the part-time ranks coupled with generational changes in the full-time workforce continue to make staffing more challenging. This pandemic response has exaggerated this challenge as we have seen potential personnel leave the occupation in a mass exodus of sorts. Thanks to the employment trends we have been experiencing and the pandemic, we have watched helplessly as our staffing deficits have increased as our demands for services have risen.
“In 2020 our financial performance was better than anticipated for what can only be described as a dumpster fire of a year. Unlike most other departments of the County, our expenses and revenues are highly variable and dependent upon several factors outside of our control. The first of those factors is the number of requests for service, as expenses are always proportional to services provided. Next is the type of request, meaning 911 or interfacility. Interfacility transfers result in much higher billable amounts than a typical 911 call. However, another consideration is the payer mix of the patients using our services. Medicaid and Medicare both result in lower cash values and high contractual adjustments, while commercial insurances result in much higher cash values. Historically we are heavily weighted toward Medicare and Medicaid with 2020 following this trend. For the year, both expenses and revenues were increased, and we saw actual performance outpacing budgetary projections by approximately $250,000,” the report stated.
Donaldson said that the strategic objectives for EMS for the near future includes: Hiring Clinicians and noted the traditional hiring approach is not working and they must get creative; Retention will be different as the younger generations norm with an employee is five years; A Succession Plan – this is not a destination, it is a journey Donaldson said the process is ongoing; and harnessing technology for better communication, better care and assessment and they have applied for a USDA grant to assist with the cost of updating the technology.
He concluded his report by saying that he wants to build creative partnerships for sustainability. Donaldson said that county wide service is a start and moving into a district regionalization is a long process. His unit will continue to move towards services accredited, as right now they are three years out from accredation.
County Treasurer, Jes-sica Jaeger, was elected in November of 2020 and took office on Jan. 4, 2021. She had worked as a Deputy Treasurer for the past seven years. She said her staff includes Courtnee Hedrick and Rosi Kowalewski.
Jaeger told the board the duties of the Treasurer’s Office and they include: receipt and deposit all money, keep daily balances on bank accounts, balance receipts and payment daily, reconcile all bank accounts monthly, invest excess funds, distribute all check for the county, mail delinquent tax notices twice a year in March and August, assist local municipal clerks/treasurers with their collection and tax settlements and so much more.
She said this past year she had to do bank reconciliation for Huntington Bank as well as their present bank, Associated Bank. Now that Huntington Bank transitions are closed the office needs only to reconcile with Associated Bank. Jaeger added that online reconciliation is great and they reconcile the accounts each day.
She said that in 2019 the office processed 8,494 tax receipts for a total of $7,698,479.35 and in 2020 they processed 8,431 tax receipts for a total of $8,141,140.68. So even though they processed 63 less receipts in 2020 compared to 2019, the amount receipted in 2020 was greater by $442,661.33. For the Redemption (Delinquent) Tax Receipts in 2019 they processed 1,876 for a total of $1,313,397.88 and in 2020 they processed 1,779 for a total of $1,420,681.15. Jaeger’s office processed 97 less receipts in 2020 compared to 2019 and the amount receipted in 2020 was greater by $107,283.27.
Jaeger also talked about Waushara County’s web portal and what a valuable tool it is for the public to obtain information on ownership, GIS mapping, taxes and assessments. She said the web portal has the ability for property owners to pay Real Estate Taxes online. In closing she encouraged the board and residents to check out the Treasurer’s Department web page that has up to date information and helpful resources and links.
The board also approved the 2022-2027 Winnefox Library Agreement and the resolution authorizing the Department of Aging Services Reorganization for drivers and services since Waushara Industries went out of business.
The final action items included the board going into closed session to discuss the EMS Property – Wautoma and Highway Department Property – Wautoma. After reconvening after closed session the board voted to pursue an offer on the Favelle Property for the highway property and easement. They also voted to investigate property for the EMS building.
Donna Kalata, board chair, announced that Melissa Pingel, the new administrator would begin on Oct. 25th and will plan to meet one on one with all department heads and the county board.
The next regular meeting of the Waushara County Board of Supervisors will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. (Please note it is two weeks earlier than usual)
