The Chester County Commission met Monday evening in regular session with County Mayor Barry Hutcherson presiding. The meeting was held at Henderson City Hall due to air conditioning malfunction at the courthouse. There were four members absent - Ann Moore, Dwight Bingham, Renee Phelps and Ricky Hardy.
In a special tribute, the County recognized a number of Commissioners who have retired or are retiring, as well as deceased Commissioners Larry Blackstock, Johnny Garner and John Welch. Retired/Retiring Commissioners receiving a proclamation from Senator Page Walley’s Office recognizing their service included Terry Bell, Jackie Butler, Russell Clayton, Sandra Highers, Diane Jordan, Joe Malero, Mike Alexander, Dwight Bingham, Jerry Emerson, Ricky Hardy, Carolyn Higgins, Andrea Holland, Todd Lewis, Jerry Lowe, Brenda Matthews, Renee Phelps and Nathan Ward. A reception followed with refreshments provided by Besso’s, El Ranchito, Stoll’s Café and Subway.
Chester County Historian James Bright requested the appointment of co-historian Bret Cox. The arrangement was approved unanimously and will include no monetary compensation.
The County bid threshold limit was increased from $15,000 to $25,000 with a majority roll call vote.
Reports for the following departments were approved without notable discussion or issue: Board of Education, Highway, General, Solid Waste, Library, County Fire Department and Trustee.
Emergency Medical Services was approved as well, following a report by Medical Center EMS representative Kevin Deaton. Deaton said the total number of responses in Chester County for last year was 3258. Among those, there were 968 9-1-1 emergencies in the city of Henderson compared to 881 for the previous year, and 881 responses in the county compared to 762. Deaton also discussed grant benefits locally, noting a $30,000 grant used to purchase a stretcher this year and an upcoming grant opportunity which will be used to purchase an ambulance for Chester County. In the interest of allowing county attorney Marty Phillips time to look over and consider the EMS contract, the body opted to recess at the close of the evening’s business, to reconvene at 7 p.m. August 3.
Review this meeting’s audio in full at https://chestercountyindependent.com/
