Saline County Commissioners today again declined to take action to rescind the county's face mask order, leaving it in place for at least two more weeks.
During the commission's regular weekly meeting this morning, Jason Tiller, health department director, told commissioners that the county's confirmed cases of COVID-19 had increased by 184 cases since the last review two weeks ago. He noted that 617 of those cases had recovered.
Tiller also provided information about what other counties have implemented for community-wide testing, and noted that COVID-19 testing has the potential to become more difficult as flu season approaches. Many of the symptoms of COVID-19 mirror flu-like symptoms. He suggested that persons experiencing symptoms should first contact their physicians to determine if COVID-19 testing needs to be done.
Additionally, Tiller reminded the commissioners that the annual Community Flu Clinic will take place on Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the 4-H Building, 900 Greeley Avenue. This will be a drive-thru clinic only and and will be open to persons age 19 or older.
In other business:
●Commissioners approved a Rural Emergency Operations Center grant for emergency management. Saline County Emergency Management was awarded $4,893 to purchase six laptops that will be available for emergency support function partners to check out so they can participate in the necessary meetings virtually during disasters or emergencies where coordination and communication are critical.
●Commissioners also gave emergency management permission to apply for the Emergency Management Performance Grant to enhance and sustain the emergency management program in Saline County. This grant is one that the county has received for several.
●Commissioners approved the purchase of 17 new digital cameras for the Saline County Jail. These cameras will replace the old analog cameras and add cameras in several needed areas of the jail. Wilson Security was awarded the bid for a total cost of $33,575.
●Commissioners gave permission to County Clerk Jamie Doss to accept a $28,423.50 grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life. Doss said she plans to use the funds to purchase software and scanners that will be used to help with signature verification on mail-in ballots.
●Last week, the commissioners signed a resolution creating a Public Building Commission to issue debt financing for the emergency radio communications system. Each commissioner was asked to appoint one member to serve on this commission. Rita Deister, Andrew Manley, and Calvin Kelsey were nominated today. Two commissioners will make their appointments at a later date.
●During his weekly update, County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes told commissioners of the next steps in the recruitment of a new Livestock and Expo Center director. Rick Lamer announced his retirement, effective March 2021. Staff desires to have the successor hired by February 2021 to allow for appropriate orientation and training.
Smith-Hanes also told commissioners that staff is diligently working toward submitting the first report that is due to the state on the Coronavirus Relief Funds that have been expended.
Additionally, Smith-Hanes briefed commissioners on the status of the Community Development Block Grant/Coronavirus that the county received. The county was awarded $132,000 to be used for businesses in the county. Applications have been received and reviewed for initial compliance with the federal guidelines. At this point, the funds requested by businesses exceeds the amount the county has to award. At the next meeting, staff will provide additional information on the grant and some potential solutions to provide awards equitably to the applicants.