County purchases new property for ambulance station

WORLAND — On Tuesday, the Washakie County Commissioners authorized Chairman Fred Frandson to sign a purchase agreement for property at 603 North Road 11 for an ambulance station.

The county has been seeking a new location for a new ambulance station since contracting with Cody Regional Health last year. They acquired a parcel of land at the corner of Eighth and Robertson, but architect estimates to construct a new facility came in at $2.6 million, more than $1 million over the budget the county has from American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Frandson said the property on Road 11 will need some renovations but overall it will save the county and taxpayer’s money.

The county purchased the property for $530,000.

The property includes a two-story home with attached garage and attached bay or RV garage, according to assessor records on the county MapServer.

Frandson said no decision had been made on what to do with the parcel at Eighth and Robertson.

FAIR DISCUSSION

Washakie County Fair Board members Beth Shaffer and Sherry Walter approached the commissioners about campground outlets and a new entry sign for the fairgrounds.

The 30 amp single pull breakers are too weak to run more than one air conditioner in a camper at a time and will kick the next camper in a row off, they said.

Shaffer said they are trying to figure out how to remedy that.

County maintenance superintendent Tom Schmeltzer said the electrical ground at the campground is too weak to put in 50 amp and that it would be, “overhauled.”

Chairman Fred Frandson recommended the fair board place a notice that the campground only supports 30 amp campers.

Schmeltzer agreed to help with a new entry sign for the Washakie County Fairgrounds.

When discussing the plans to have everyone leave the fair at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 and return at 5 p.m. with their tickets for the Confederate Railroad concert, Frandson said he did not understand what the purpose was of making them all leave, and instead suggested roping the stage area off.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business at the Tuesday meeting, which was rescheduled from April 19, the commissioners hired Stuart Bower as the new County Road and Bridge superintendent, replacing Keith Bower who stepped down earlier this year.

Stuart Bower had previously worked for the county as superintendent.