Carlisle County hears ambulance financial report, accepts annual bid for service

Carlisle County EMS Director Josh reported that ambulance collections and retained earnings increased over the past year and presented the county—s annual bid package for ambulance service; commissioners approved the sole bid.

Josh told the court the county collected about $24,002.68 in February and showed year-to-date growth compared with earlier years. He said retained earnings have grown since the service no longer relies on the general fund. "Whenever we first started out, 316,000, to our last year at $353,006.06," Josh said, describing the improvement in annual transport revenue. He said billing practices and closer case review with the billing company have contributed to the gains.

The director described staffing and pay: the service currently has about 15 people on the roster; providers are paid roughly $40 per run and do not receive county-paid health insurance or retirement benefits. He said staff pay and increased staff hours contributed to a rise in the labor rate. "Increase in pays, hours, staffing that we're having to have on on duty," Josh said.

Josh also noted a recent roof repair at the EMS bay and submitted letters of credentials and a bid package to the court. He said Dr. Bechtel will remain associated as ambulance director in an oversight role.

Commissioners asked about the labor-rate jump and staffing levels. After discussion, a commissioner moved to accept the bid package for the coming year; the motion was seconded and carried without recorded opposition.

The county also approved the EMS director's report and bid documents as presented; Josh said he intends to maintain service levels and continue work with the billing company and finance staff to ensure retained earnings cover rising labor costs.

Looking ahead, Josh said the county does not expect a reduction in provider or run volume and that budget planning will account for pay and staffing trends.