Jefferson County approves formation of Central Ambulance District; funding request tabled

At a meeting of the Jefferson County Commission, commissioners voted to approve an order declaring formation of the Jefferson Central Ambulance District and to adopt the district boundaries attached to the order. The commission deferred consideration of a county funding request from Central Fire Ambulance until staff can verify available American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other county funds.

The ambulance district formation matters because the new district will be authorized to set a levy and contract for ambulance service within its boundaries; commissioners said the district must be formed by Oct. 1 so levy rates can be set in time to take effect at the start of the next fiscal year. The district also establishes a separate budget and staffing arrangements between the fire and ambulance organizations.

Central Fire representatives described operational needs and a near-term equipment purchase during the presentation. Amanda, identified in the meeting as Central Fire’s office manager, told the commission the…