Commissioners allocate $1.6M to order ambulances and authorize EMS consultant study

The board considered multiple options to improve ambulance coverage after commissioners and staff described response-time and coverage gaps in both the north and south areas of Columbia County. Commissioners discussed buying ambulances and staffing options, the costs of vehicles fully equipped and the risk of ordering equipment before a staffing plan is in place.

Commissioner Ford moved and the board approved a motion to set aside $1.6 million from contingency to order three ambulances (two to be put in service and one as backup), subject to coordination with Lakeshore Hospital Authority. The motion was amended to direct the chair and county manager to present a letter to the hospital authority asking it to purchase the ambulances; if the authority agrees and purchases them, the county will return the funds to contingency. County staff confirmed that next fiscal year's budget includes $1,000,000 to cover half a year of staffing if the county assumes a larger operational role.

Recognizing the risk of purchasing vehicles without a staffing and operational plan, the board also unanimously directed staff to solicit an outside EMS consultant to produce a plan covering stationing, staffing, equipment needs and likely costs. Commissioners said the consultant must be independent and provide an unbiased assessment of whether the county should operate ambulances in-house, continue a hybrid model, or renegotiate contract terms with private providers. The staff procurement task and consultant contract were authorized to proceed.

What happens next: Staff will place $1.6 million in contingency and proceed to order ambulances unless the Lakeshore Hospital Authority agrees to buy them; staff will issue an RFP or use procurement sources to hire a consultant to deliver an EMS strategic plan.