Ambulance director reports record income, staffing stable; district study continues

The Richland County Public Safety Standing Committee heard an operational update from the interim ambulance-service director who said November produced nearly double previous monthly income and the service is on track to meet year-end projections.

The director told the committee that expenses through November were about 5% below budget and that "November was our biggest month for income ever, almost double what we've ever seen." The department is fully staffed and several personnel recently upgraded their certification status, opening opportunities to fill driver positions as members move into upgraded slots.

The director said Unit 33 was struck by a white-tailed deer and is scheduled for repair; estimated cost is about $5,600 with a $5,000 deductible that the service will pay without filing an insurance claim. "So we'll be paying the full amount, and not doing an insurance claim," the director said.

On governance, the director said they will remain interim for another six months while local organizations and townships continue evaluating whether to form an ambulance district. The director said that even if a district forms, it would not necessarily end county involvement: "Even if the townships formed a district, it doesn't mean that the ambulance wouldn't still be run by the county. The district could choose to have the ambulance run that account."

The director also said the service is changing billing companies and had interviewed candidates with a final selection expected this month.

Why it matters: The revenue and staffing updates affect county budgeting and service continuity. The possible transition to a district raises governance questions about long-term funding, management and county-township relationships.

What’s next: The committee asked for regular budget reports and clearer direction from the board about district formation; the director requested prompt guidance, noting staff stress from prolonged uncertainty.