by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – A controversial ordinance intended to enable emergency action by the county in case the coronavirus overwhelms the local health care system will be dealt with by the County Board Executive Committee when it meets at 5:30 this afternoon in the Sheboygan County Courthouse. The proposal prompted vigorous discussion and demonstrations when it was introduced earlier this month.
The proposed measure titled “Ordinance No. 3” would enable action to be taken if half of the 34 beds of the ICU’s and additional surgery beds of St. Nicholas and Memorial hospitals become occupied by COVID-19 patients.
In a release issued Monday, County Board Chairman Vernon Koch and Administrator Adam Payne said that in response to public concern and to further improve clarity of the proposed ordinance, they are recommending the following refinements:
1) Adding more explanation for what prompted the proposed ordinance,
2) Adding oversight of the full County Board to that of the two standing committees of the County Board that would provide legislative oversight for any potential county-wide public health order, and,
3) Eliminating any reference to businesses.
If revisions are approved in committee today, the ordinance would be taken up by the full County Board at its next regular meeting on September 15th.
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