Washington County supervisors thanked county dispatchers, EMS and multiple area fire departments for a coordinated response to a structure fire near Salem and raised concerns about possible retail departures in Greenwich and Granville that could affect sales tax revenue.

During supervisor comments, Ms. Claret thanked “Washington County Dispatch” and EMS and said the response to a fire just outside the town of Salem required mutual aid from Vermont, Bennington County and Arlington and involved about seven local fire departments. She said the incident occurred on a small mountain road (Jones Brook Road) and that communication and drafting water were difficult. The transcript records she also noted a separate structure fire occurred at about the same time and that the county’s dispatch has been “working really hard.”

Separately, Joseph Campbell said county sales tax receipts are “doing okay” and that it appears the county could reach $30,000,000 toward the end of the year. He warned that AutoZone and Big Lots in Greenwich and Granville were “looking to maybe be gone” and suggested the two towns might need to collaborate to attract new businesses if those stores close.

Other business: the chair asked Mr. Wilson to continue as sergeant at arms for the year and said committee assignments will be mailed soon. The chair also said he would appoint Mr. Shaw as adjourner, and the meeting closed after a brief ceremonial thanks to Janet for singing at naturalization ceremonies.

The discussion recorded in the transcript was informal supervisor comment; no formal actions, votes or directives related to the fires or the retail concerns were recorded in the provided transcript.