Allen County Commissioners are “reaching out” in hopes to move toward a conclusion in EMS merger discussions with the city. ALLEN COUNTY Sheriff Bryan Murphy came before the commission to shed some light on an upcoming presentation from Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation in Coffey County.
During their meeting Tuesday morning, commissioners approved a contract proposal, drafted with County Counselor Alan Weber, to be presented to the Iola City Council on Monday night. The document has not been made available to the public.
“We have jumped in the middle of the river on this,” Commissioner Tom Williams said. “We’ll drown if the city does not meet us halfway.”
Commission Chairman Dick Works said the proposal would seem similar to the city council, mainly because it reflects several proposals they have approved in the past.
“The majority of us think it’s not the best solution, but it’s a workable solution,” Works said.
Iola Mayor Joel Wicoff and Iola City Administrator Carl Slaugh attended the meeting Tuesday, in order to discuss the status of negotiations between the two entities. One thing both governing bodies can agree upon – they are ready for discussions to end.
“I think it needs to be a give-and-take,” Wicoff said. “Let’s just get it done and get on with it.”
The proposal, which Weber said totals a mere four pages in length, will be given to the city council members immediately before Monday’s meeting. Williams noted the importance of the contract proposal, and reiterated how much the county has changed its position to move toward a resolution.
“It’s on your shoulders and the city’s shoulders to meet us halfway,” Williams said to Slaugh and Wicoff.
The presentation will involve the placement of a reception and care station – an emergency area set apart for nuclear emergencies. Wolf Creek’s contract expires this year with Emporia State University, who is currently designated as the site.
According to Murphy, the “worst-case scenario” must be considered if Allen County agrees to serve as the reception and care station. This means doubling the population of Iola, an additional 5,700 people, in a mere 12 hours.
Commissioners agreed to hear the presentation from Wolf Creek during next week’s commission meeting, but both Murphy and the commissioners were skeptical if the logistics were even possible.
“Logistically, we’re still trying to figure out what it entails,” Murphy said.
Merger ‘on city’s shoulders’
