Union County Coordinator Saves $96,000 by Collaborating with Creston Waterworks

Union County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Paul Ver Meer, has successfully averted a significant expenditure of $96,000 through strategic discussions with Creston Waterworks. This collaboration revolves around the maintenance of the water tower that also supports essential radio tower equipment for the Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

During a recent meeting, Ver Meer detailed how the county could avoid this substantial cost by utilizing the existing infrastructure of the Creston water tower, rather than constructing a new radio tower. The decision comes ahead of scheduled repainting of the water tower in 2026, a process that typically poses challenges for similar installations.

Cost-Saving Measures and Future Budget Planning

The issue of equipment removal during repainting has been highlighted by a recent project in Lorimor, costing $69,414 to temporarily relocate radio equipment. Given the fragile nature of the equipment, the risk of damage during such operations is significant. Ver Meer noted that projected costs for the Creston project would have been even higher, reaching $96,000.

In a proactive approach, Ver Meer engaged with Steve Guthrie, General Manager of Creston Waterworks, to explore ways to mitigate these expenses. After discussions with the contractors, Guthrie confirmed that the painting team would adjust their work to accommodate the existing equipment. This agreement effectively eliminates the projected costs associated with equipment removal and relocation.

Even if some equipment sustains damage during the painting process, Ver Meer indicated that the expenses for replacements would still be considerably lower than the original estimate. This successful negotiation has led to a more optimistic outlook for the EMA’s budget, which was reviewed during the latest meeting.

Budget Adjustments and New Initiatives

Ver Meer referred to next year’s budget as “Jo’s budget,” in honor of his predecessor, Jo Duckworth, while emphasizing that he intends to implement additions as he sees necessary. The upcoming budget includes a $10,000 allocation for an emergency reserve fund and $3,000 for vehicle maintenance, aimed at preventing unexpected expenses in the future.

A budget workshop is scheduled for 16:35 on December 29, 2023, at the EMA building, where community members can gain insights into upcoming financial plans. In addition to budgetary concerns, Ver Meer announced that Mainstay will provide IT services for the EMA at an annual fee of $900. Ver Meer praised the company, citing his previous experience with them during his tenure at the Creston Police Department.

Furthermore, the EMA has launched a new Facebook page designed to keep the community informed about weather events, including snowfall and other relevant updates. This initiative aims to enhance communication between the EMA and Union County residents.