It was quick and efficient Tuesday night when the Iredell County Board of Commissioners met and approved several items related to first responders and health, including a mobile health unit for the health department.
As part of its administrative agenda, the Board approved the waiver of the bidding process and the purchase of a Matthews Specialty Vehicles mobile health unit and approved the budget amendment to allocate $799,262 in COVID-19 grant funding for the purchase of the unit and an appropriate $130,628 in Medicaid maximization funding transfer to purchase all equipment and pay for title, tagging, insurance, storage and fuel for May and June 2024.
Director Jane Hinson said the mobile unit could be used to target specific populations in disadvantaged areas and be on site in the event of a medical emergency.
“The mobile health unit will allow us to provide services and education to typically underserved populations. We expect to initially offer immunizations, dental care, healthy child screening and STD screening on the Mobile Health Unit, but look forward to expanding our service offerings in the future based on identified community needs,” said Hinson on Wednesday.
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management agenda
The following items were also considered administrative matters by the Board and discussed in a pre-agenda meeting prior to the regular meeting at 7:00pm. All passed with approval unless placed on the regular agenda.
Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department: Approved the $30,000 small loan program application to purchase equipment for a new engine, which she expects to receive in July.
Stony Point VFD’s monthly allotment will be reduced by $1,666.67 for 18 months to repay the interest-free loan. Funding comes from $3 million the Board of Commissions earmarked in 2022 for a microcredit program for such items.
Cool Springs Volunteer Fire Department: Approved the $127,000 small loan program application to complete the 2023 Pierce Enforcer fire truck purchase. Cool Springs VFD was allocated $750,000 to replace a fire truck for a total cost of $877,000.
Cool Springs VFD’s monthly allotment will be reduced by $7,055.55 for 18 months to repay the interest-free loan.
Emergency Communications: The county intends to implement the VIPER simulcast radio system for Iredell County. The Board approved a contract with Motorola and amended the Grant Ordinance of the American Rescue Plan Act to include $10,292,431 for the Motorola contract, 5% quota and $493,000 for Mission Critical Partners for consultation as previously approved. Total cost is $9,998,431 plus requested $294,000 options. Motorola’s total contract price with all options is $10,292,431.
Nick Falgiatore, the engineering group led at MCP, said the system would integrate with nearby VIPER systems at the county and state levels. The completion time is expected to be 18-24 months.
Treasury Department: Accepted a $100,000 donation for playground equipment at Stumpy Creek from Make An Impact Foundation, Inc. Brody Thompson Memorial Playground opened December 31.
Administration: Approved an Order authorizing the conduct of Opioid Trials and Approved the Supplemental Funding Agreement between the State of North Carolina and local governments. The NC Department of Justice announced five new opioid settlements involving CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Allergan and Teva, resulting in an additional $600 million for North Carolina state and local governments. This comes on top of the first round of settlements that resulted in $750 million being distributed to the state and local governments of North Carolina, with 85% going to local governments.
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