The 3-member Dubuque County Board of Supervisors has voted down a proposed mask mandate resolution. On a 2-1 vote Tuesday, supervisors did not approve a county-wide mandate. Supervisor Jay Wickham, who was the lone vote for the mandate, says he’s consulted multiple health care professionals on this issue.
“It’s very challenging, as an elected official and not a health official, to make decisions when they’re forced upon you,” said Wickham. “And, you don’t like to be put into that situation, but at this point I will side to the err of supporting it.”
Board Chair Dave Baker said his concerns were related to enforcement and legal questions on local control if cities could opt out of the order.
“But, I will be asking the board to support the strong recommendation,” said Baker, “and that the mayors that I’ve talked to have pledged that they would be on board with offering their support.”
The Dubuque County Board of Supervisors urges local leaders to make the best decision for their communities. The County Board of Health previously voted unanimously supporting a mask mandate resolution.
