NEW ULM — After discussion Tuesday, Brown County Commissioners unanimously tabled a $28,000 consulting agreement to provide services to train, test and enhance local ability to respond to a mass casualty event by setting up a family assistance center.

Under the agreement, Masa Consulting, Inc. would develop a half-day workshop for critical stakeholders including public health, emergency management, public safety, hospitals, churches and a medical examiner.

Interaction, PowerPoint, video and facility walkthroughs will be used to identify logistics needs, building and exercising a family assistance center plan.

The second part includes support and providing expert direction in developing and implementing a functional exercise to train and test local ability to respond to a mass casualty event, focusing on integrating all community stakeholders.

Commissioner Dave Borchert, also the New Ulm police chief said he thought the cost, fully covered by a State of Minnesota Response Sustainability Grant, was excessive.

“I think it’s a lot of money for what we see here. I’ve seen this done before with law enforcement active shooter training. I think it’s something we can do in house. I realize we have to do it. I think we can roll up our sleeves and do it ourselves,” said Borchert.

Brown County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Michelle Steinbeisser favored the consulting agreement.

“We have lots of plans, but are they operational? Operational plans are huge. I think a consultant is super valuable,” she said.

“Consultants are valuable, but I have a very difficult time with the amount of money. I think we can do it ourselves,” said Borchert.

Commissioner Brian Braun said the training is important to do but said he understood the financial concerns.

“Commissioner Borchert could work with our county emergency director to learn about it,” said Braun.

“We’re talking about emergency center structure. I feel the best way to do it is with our own partners. I just won’t throw this kind of money at this,” said Borchert.

He asked Brown County Public Health Director Jaimee Brand if county staff salaries would be paid with the grant, which would help the county budget.

Brand said the grant could be used that way.

“I’d like to see what other (consulting agreement) quotes are,” she said.

Braun made a motion to table, seconded by Borchert.