Highland County Board of Supervisors Meeting Creates Yelling Match

It was standing room only on the second floor of the Highland County Courthouse on April 11 as discussions about a last minute EMS proposal dominated conversation.

The public hearing portion ended relatively quickly, with hike proposals for both the EMS and Enterprise fees being tabled until the next meeting on April 23.

Moving to old business, there were two EMS plans to discuss. The first plan, which was proposed on April 2 by the volunteer rescue squad, was denied. The Highland County Emergency Medical Services Plan Proposal, which went out the morning of the meeting, was thoroughly debated. Calls for the resignation of supervisors Henry Budzinski and Harry Sponaugle rung through the room and after a pointed exchange, County Attorney Melissa Dowd walked out of the meeting.

In the end, after more than three hours that held little decorum, the Highland County Emergency Medical Services Plan Proposal as proposed by Budzinski passed with minor changes – two votes of yes from Budzinski and Sponaugle and a vote of no from supervisor Paul Trible.

Immediately following the meeting, a petition began circulating the room, calling for the resignation of supervisors Budzinski and Sponaugle. 

A thorough report and audio from the meeting will be placed in a story next week and updates will be made as this story continues to develop.