In light of Gov. Kim Reynolds proclamation altering the COVID-19 mitigation protocols that went into effect Sunday, the Carroll County Board of Supervisors revisited their face covering mandate that is set to expire on Feb. 15. A discussion ensued that included comments from Carroll County Public Health and Carroll County Emergency Management pointing to the slow-paced vaccine rollout and new strains of COVID-19 making their way into the state. In their opinion, it is much too early to repeal a face covering mandate and they fear a surge in numbers if people become complacent in the prescribed safety measures. Three of the supervisors, Rich Ruggles, Stephanie Hausman and Scott Johnson, say they believe the residents of Carroll County are doing the right thing, but that they should not attempt to supersede mandates and directives from the state. Their recommendation was to rewrite the resolution to strongly encourage that citizens continue to wear masks. A motion to continue the face covering mandate as it stands was made by Dean Schettler, but failed on a vote of two in favor, Chair Gene Meiners and Schettler, and three against. Meiners made another motion to change the resolution to strongly recommending and to make it effective until April 15. This passed unanimously. The supervisors then agreed to keep the current face covering mandates in place at the Carroll County Courthouse for the safety of employees. They will be allowed to refuse service to those not wearing a mask in the building and all employees will be required to wear masks when not at their desks or when dealing with customers. Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more details on this discussion in upcoming newscasts.
