A motion to reconsider the purchase of land on Washington Island for a new county EMS facility failed at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Administrator Ken Pabich says the issue goes back several years, and it is gratifying to see a conclusion in sight. Currently, the Town of Washington and Door County share one building for emergency services, but it is becoming too crowded as the Washington Island Fire Department expands.
The Town of Washington has balked at the construction of a new joint facility, keeping fire and EMS together, citing lack of funds. The Board of Supervisors discussed how having an island means increased costs to operate. Still, it stopped short of committing to building the structure itself over concerns of the precedent it could set going forward regarding ventures with other municipalities.
Pabich says things are still at the preliminary stages. He hopes to complete the land purchase in the coming months.
The parcel includes the Historic Island Dairy, 1309 Rangeline Road. The goal is to incorporate that into the design of the new county building. In addition to EMS, expect the Door County Sheriff’s Office and other departments to utilize the facility.
