The Athens County Emergency Medical Service recently purchased property for new administrative offices. On Tuesday, ACEMS Chief Rick Callebs met with the Athens County Commissioners to discuss purchasing another piece of property.
Callebs will get a lease and bring that to the commissioners for approval. The property will be used for a new station.
"We have a hole in coverage in the northeast part of the county," Commissioner Lenny Eliason said. "One of the things we're looking at is how (we) can improve response times."
The details of the new property were discussed in an executive session, but Eliason hinted that the new station, if approved, would be located in the direction of Amesville.
Most of the meeting Tuesday focused on whether the county would utilize the services of Enterprise Fleet Management, a division of Enterprise Rent-A-Car that leases vehicles to government bodies, with the exception of firetrucks and ambulances. Enterprise Fleet Management was represented at Tuesday's meeting by Jeremy Baldwin, who told the commissioners the service would provide Athens County with newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Baldwin said that car manufacturers are required by law to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles each year, meaning newer models would save the county money on gas. But Commissioner Charlie Adkins was somewhat skeptical the law would remain in effect.
"Does that take into account 'Make America Bright Again,' and 'Great Again,' and all that kind of stuff?" he said, a reference to president-elect Donald Trump's pledge to reduce regulations.
The commissioners weren't sure if the county had a large enough fleet to justify joining Enterprise, but said they would consider it.
"At the recycling center, we've moved to all leasing and it's been really good for us," Commissioner Chris Chmiel said.
The commissioners received an offer to have their wastewater monitored by the Columbus company Eagon & Associates Inc. Speaking on their behalf was Tom Jenkins, a geologist and Ohio University alumnus. Also, the commissioners approved a plaque to be placed on the courthouse that would include the names of Medal of Honor recipients from Athens County.
