UPDATE: Union County Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Ver Meer has successfully negotiated a deal that saves the county $96,000 in potential expenses. This urgent development was announced during a meeting on December 29, 2023, highlighting Ver Meer’s effective leadership just months into his role.
In a significant move, Ver Meer engaged with Creston Waterworks regarding the maintenance of their water tower, which also houses vital radio tower equipment for the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Avoiding the construction of a new radio tower saved the county considerable funds, but a major concern loomed: the water tower is scheduled for repainting in 2026, a project that could have required the costly removal of EMA’s equipment.
Previous projects, such as one in Lorimor, revealed staggering costs—upwards of $69,414—for temporary equipment removal. Ver Meer feared that the Creston repainting could escalate expenses even further, potentially exceeding $96,000.
However, after discussions with Steve Guthrie, General Manager of Creston Waterworks, a breakthrough was achieved. Guthrie confirmed that contractors agreed to work around the radio equipment during the repainting, eliminating the need for removal and drastically reducing costs. Ver Meer expressed relief, stating, “Even if the equipment sustains damage during the painting, the replacement costs will be significantly lower than the initial estimate.”
This successful negotiation has brightened the outlook for next year’s budget, discussed during the recent EMA meeting. Ver Meer referred to the upcoming budget as “Jo’s budget,” a nod to former coordinator Jo Duckworth, while emphasizing his intention to take a more active role in future budget decisions. The proposed budget includes a boost of $10,000 to an emergency reserve fund and $3,000 for vehicle maintenance, ensuring readiness for unforeseen expenses.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the newly launched Union County Emergency Management Facebook page, which is already providing timely updates on snowfall and other weather-related events.
In related news, the EMA has secured IT services from Mainstay for an annual fee of $900. Ver Meer, having previously collaborated with Mainstay during his tenure at the Creston Police Department, endorsed their services, citing their reliability.
This development not only showcases Ver Meer’s commitment to fiscal responsibility but also reinforces the importance of effective communication between agencies. As Union County navigates its future, the community can expect continued efforts to optimize resources and enhance emergency management capabilities.
Stay tuned for further updates as the EMA prepares for the budget workshop set for 4:35 p.m. on December 29, 2023, at the EMA building.