By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
With the number of COVID-19 cases continuing to decline in Ellis County and no requests for personal protective equipment, the Ellis County Commission voted this week to rescind the disaster/emergency declaration for the coronavirus.
Emergency Manager Lyle Pantle told the commission Monday the state of Kansas required each county to declare a state of disaster/emergency in order to received PPE, stockpiled by the state, to distribute to agencies in the region that had requested them.
Pantle said the county did not have a COVID emergency at the time but was forced to make the declaration in order to get the request supplies.
Now, with the number of positive cases waning, Pantle said after talking with Health Services Director Jason Kennedy and former Emergency Manger and current County Administrator Darin Myers, he recommended ending the disaster/emergency declaration.
“We all believe it is time to rescind the declaration,” Pantle said.
He said it has been at least two months since they have received any requests for help with obtaining PPE.
· In other business Monday the commission approved update job descriptions for 14 jobs for a saving of $3,000.
· Recognized five employees who have recently been promoted.
· Increase the tire disposal rate at the landfill to $220 per ton.
· Sponsored Bill Ring to serve as a member of the Kansas All-Hazards Regional Incident Management Team.
· Approved a resolution allowing Ellis County to opt into the Rural Opportunity Zone state program.
· Accepted a grant from the Kansas Forest Service to purchase a front bumper mounted turret monitor for the brush truck in Ellis.