The Wright County Board of Supervisors discussed storm damage and drainage districts during their regular meeting on Monday, December 20.
County Engineer Adam Clemons updated the council on the aftermath of last week's un-seasonal storm. Clemons reported that his crew has identified 37 debris related work orders and another 44 work orders to repair or replace damaged signs around the county. The map of work orders demonstrates a pretty accurate path of where the storm blew through the county, leaving building and tree debris in its wake. Signs on wood posts around the county were knocked over while some of the metal signs were bent or folded. Clemons noted that one stop sign in the county was completely blown away from its post.
"I've never seen a sign ripped off the bolts like that," said Clemons.
In the wake of the storm, County Assessor Shari Plagge is asking county residents that took damage to their property to report that damage to her office as soon as possible. In particular, rural residents that lost buildings should report those to the assessor as they prepare for their January property assessments.
"Whatever is standing as of January 1st will be assessed," said Plagge.
Regarding the slower, but more ongoing crisis, Public Health Administrator Sandy McGrath updated the council on the latest COVID-19 news and statistics, particularly regarding the spreading Omicron variant.
"Right now, Omicron is not in Wright County," said McGrath. "However, it is in Iowa."
The effectiveness of the currently accessible vaccines on Omicron is still being studied, but McGrath continues to advise that people get their vaccine and booster, stating that even with a reduced effectiveness, vaccinated people see lighter symptoms and are less likely to transmit in the event of a breakthrough case.
"We still have a lot of breakthrough with people that are vaccinated, however I'm not seeing the next person get it from them. It's kind of stopping at those people," said McGrath.
Wright County Public Heath has performed 16,463 vaccinations, including 3,000 boosters over the last year. With 52.2% of the population vaccinated, the county is 33rd in the state.
In other business, the county approved two new hires for the Sheriff's Department.
They also approved precinct boundaries for voting districts for upcoming elections. After getting feedback from effected residents, the supervisors agreed on keeping the current boundaries in place.
Senator Dennis Guth and Don Etler were present at the meeting to give an update on Senate File 500, a proposal that will make changes to drainage district projects.
The supervisors also met with representatives from Healthy Harvest, the Library Association, and Central Iowa Community Services for annual updates about the services they provide and funding requests for the upcoming fiscal year.
