By: Timothy Kays
On the morning of April 26, members of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 2020-267, declaring that a state of emergency still exists in the county.
The resolution declares a state of emergency, because the county faces a public health-related hazard arising from the spread in and around the county of the novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, which may result in contraction of a disease known as COVID-19.
To date globally, 2.7 million people have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 190,000 have died. As of the date of this action, in the U.S., more than 860,000 confirmed cases have been reported, and nearly 50,000 have died. In Ohio, there are 14,142 confirmed cases and 618 deaths.
Public access to county offices are hereby cautiously re-opened when appropriate safety measures are in place, on or after May 4, 2020. County offices also remain open to telephone communication. County EMA will remain in service.
All public offices and employees of Fulton County are hereby directed to exercise the utmost diligence in the discharge of the duties required of them for the duration of the emergency, and in the execution of emergency laws, regulations, and directives – state and local.
The Commissioners approved Resolution 2020-264, approving a waiver of charges for ALS (Advanced Life Support) transportation services. A balance currently remains for ALS services rendered to 38 patients, who have either submitted correspondence indicating financial hardship, or are considered uncollectable and unreachable. The total amount waived under the measure for the 38 individuals is $15,624.43.
The Commissioners adopted Resolution 2020-266, accepting Families First Coronavirus Response Act Funding from the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio (AOoA). An award of $30,103.50 in funds from the AOoA for the period of April 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, will be used to provide supplemental meal services to patrons of the senior center.
In other actions, the Commissioners approved Resolution 2020-263, granting an appropriation increase of $5,000 for the Fulton County EMA. Also approved was Resolution 2020-265, a measure to approve oversight of Contract 2020-42 with the Village Network for IV-E Services on Behalf of the Fulton County Department of Job and Family Services (JFS). The contract, in the amount of $75,000, is effective from April 1, through December 31, 2020.
The Village Network is an organization licensed, certified or approved to provide placement and related services to children in accordance with the Ohio laws or the state where the placement facility or foster home is located, respectively.
Timothy can be reached at tim@thevillagereporter.com