Commissioners extend burn ban amid drought, authorize president to manage future extensions

County commissioners on a special call voted to extend the county burn ban and gave the commission president authority to extend or rescind the order until the matter is reviewed at the commission's regular meeting on Sept. 24 at 10:00.

Fire Chief Adam Farrar of Scott Township Fire and EMS told the commission that the newest drought monitor shows the area is in a D1 drought and said there was "no significant rain in sight," asking that the ban remain in place until substantial rainfall occurs. Farrar also described an administrative change: German Township voted March 26 to join the Scott Township fire territory, which will expand Scott Township's coverage area.

The motion to extend the burn ban was made by an unnamed commissioner and seconded by the meeting chair. During discussion the mover asked whether the commission would need to reconvene special meetings every seven days to renew the ban. Unidentified legal counsel said, "The 7 day limitation is only based on the initial order. It didn't have to be ratified by the full board. You can go for as long as the emergency exists," and recommended placing the item on the regular business calendar for review on Sept. 24 at 10:00 so the commission would not be required to hold special meetings each week.

The amended motion set Sept. 24 at 10:00 as the review date and noted the ban was being issued jointly with the city. Commissioners present were called and recorded as voting in the affirmative; the motion passed.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn. The commission will revisit the burn ban at its regular meeting on Sept. 24 at 10:00, at which time it may be extended, rescinded or revised.