Agency official reports April deposits, staffing gap and inspection delays at local EMS meeting

An agency official reported April deposits of $87,008.76 and 198 emergency runs, below the typical monthly average of about 220, during a local emergency services meeting. The official said the service currently has one open field position to fill after a recent vacancy and expects a paramedic to be on FMLA from mid-June possibly through October.

The report flagged a new roof leak in the garage bay that needs vendor follow-up and described ongoing operational friction with regulatory review. "They tell me that they have up to 10 business days to respond," the agency official said of the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, adding that, once the procedure starts, a site visit can take roughly four months.

Officials discussed preparations for National EMS Week (May 17–23), suggesting small tokens of appreciation such as meals; the agency noted one day already scheduled for a taco bar and that helicopter services sometimes provide lunches. The official said he is reviewing options for a refrigerator needed for vehicle security and compliance; the cheapest option under consideration was about $600, but he said he wanted an inspection to confirm whether refrigerators on trucks must be secured or attached to meet licensing rules.

On finances, the agency official reported year-to-date expenditures through April of about $554,003 and said about $1,345,001.87 remains in the budget, which he estimated translates to roughly $138,005.76 per month for the remaining fiscal months. He cautioned that rising costs—particularly waste-disposal surcharges and fuel—will require adjustments during the next budget cycle.

Members discussed hazardous waste disposal procedures (sealed red biohazard bags, manifests, transport in a box truck and incineration) and whether the district should pursue additional incineration licensing; the agency official said some waste must be reduced to ash offsite to meet disposal requirements.

The agency also reported meeting with Links Ambulance Service, which recently leased space near the bypass. The official described Links as primarily a basic life-support interfacility transfer (IFT) provider that is seeking advanced life-support capabilities but "is not looking at any 9-1-1 stuff" for now. He said Links appeared cooperative, had met county emergency-service ordinance requirements and had engaged with the ambulance board to discuss operations.

Procedural business included a voice vote approving the minutes (motion by "mister Abbott," second by "mister Fleming") and a later motion to adjourn (moved by Gerald, seconded by Tony), both carried by voice vote. The meeting closed with no further formal actions recorded.

Next steps noted by participants include following up on roof repairs, completing the pharmacy board licensure process and confirming security/inspection requirements for vehicle refrigerators before purchasing equipment.