Waushara County Board of Supervisors held their June meeting at the Poy Sippi Center

The Waushara County Board of Supervisors held their June meeting at the Poy Sippi Center, N4258 State Rd. 49, on June 20th following the open house and ribbon cutting of the center that houses the Senior Dining and Emergency Services. The dining has seating for 32 plus an outdoor patio, it has a full kitchen including warming trays and a dishwasher. The EMS side has a garage for two ambulances and living quarters for the EMT’s. Debbie Paavola, Department of Aging Director, addressed the board in public comments to express sincere appreciation for the support of the board to see the foresight and need for the Poy Sippi Center. “The Senior Dining is more than a meal, it promotes friendships and connections,” she said. Melissa Pingel, Administrator, reported to the board on the building project updates including the Wautoma EMS with windows and walls going in and it is expected to be completed mid-November. The Highway Department is expected to be completed in January and the Government Center tunnel will soon be under construction. The Government Center is scheduled to be complete in May. Pingel would like to have some tours conducted once the walls are up and a mock-up of the county board room. She also added that the county will take a closer look at spaces that will be vacant once the new buildings are occupied. Pingel also added that the July meeting will have a list of ARPA funds that have been planned and approved, along with new proposals so all monies are allocated. She also added the county may be receiving some additional state funds that would aid the county to cover the increase for health insurance for 2024. The annual report for the Public Health Department was presented by Director/Officer, Stefanie Eldredge. Eldredge reported to the board that their mission is promote and protect the health of Waushara County residents. Their initiatives are Purpose, People and Planning. They work on a strategic plan, health assessment and a health improvement plan. She said they continue to recover from the pandemic and working with the staff where one half of them are new to the department. Kevin Boehm, Parks Director, addressed the board requesting ARPA funds for the purchase of a new UTV and loader/tractor. The cost of the Ranger UTV is $35,719 and the tractor/loader is $73,000. Boehm explained the board that the present UTV is beyond repair for use the county needs. The tractor/loader has several mechanical issues and they have had to rent equipment to complete their work and it just has not been the best situation. He did report to the board that both the UTV and the tractor will be sold and will bring in some additional funds to help with the purchase of the new equipment. Boehm said the county parks continue to have an increase in usage and more of those at the parks are looking at hiking trails, so the equipment is necessary to fill this need in the park system. Following the explanation the board approved the purchases. The next meeting of the Waushara County Board of Supervisors will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 at the Waushara County Courthouse, Wautoma, in the Waushara County Board Room.