(SANILAC COUNTY) – Reliable Wifi and COVID-19 were on the minds of Commissioners Tuesday afternoon when the Sanilac County board met for nearly two hours.
The board had previously discussed the possibility of investigating having what they called reliable internet service to all County residents.
Further discussion was held Tuesday when Commissioners reported they had received positive feedback from several residents and businesses.
Although there was consideration given to hiring a consultant to further explore, Administrator/Controller Tara Griffith cautioned the board, saying she had learned there may be possible assistance in covering the costs through other avenues.
A meeting will be held with Economic Development Consultant Carl Osentoski who suggested financial assistance may be available.
Griffith also told the board the County has submitted for reimbursement of $72,000 dollars for front line worker bonus checks and that 75 checks had been written through the CARES Act.
Also at the meeting, Commissioners learned the Health Department is planning on bringing back two furloughed employees who will be assigned to conducting COVID testing, saving the County $1,500 dollars a week.
The County and Health Department had entered into an agreement earlier this year to screen people entering the Courthhouse and Sheriff Department.
Health Department Director Bryant Wilke said he anticipates the testing to continue until at least the end of September and probably longer.
Medical officials told the board the County has 80 cases, 70 confirmed and another 10 probable cases, which was in contrast to the 68 cases the Health Department reported a day earlier.
Commissioners were told while tests results had been taking five to seven days to return, it was not down to 48 to 72 hours in most cases.
There are also rapid tests available for acute care patients, a test that is extremely expensive and not yet available to the general public.
Health officials told Commissioners it’s expected there will be a vaccine available either late this year or early next year and to expect additional cases of COVID until there is a successful vaccine.
