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County votes to buy ambulances and equipment from private provider as company prepares to exit service
Summary
The board approved an asset purchase agreement to buy ambulances and equipment from the local private ambulance provider as that company ends its contract; the purchase price cited in the agreement was $500,000 and transition planning for staffing was discussed.
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners approved an asset purchase agreement to acquire ambulances and related equipment from the county's private ambulance provider as that company prepares to end its contract. The county attorney explained the proposed purchase would include four 2021 four-wheel-drive ambulances and other vehicles and equipment for a purchase price of $500,000.
The county attorney said the purchase covers assets only, not the operating company or its employees; the county will separately recruit and hire an ambulance director and other staff for a county-run service and has encouraged existing personnel to apply. He also said the agreement allows the seller to obtain an appraisal and receive a donation letter for any excess between appraised value and the $500,000 purchase price for tax purposes.
Board member Dale moved to approve the asset purchase agreement; Commissioner Steve seconded the motion and the board voted in favor. County staff said the goal is an orderly transition so users of ambulance services notice no interruption; the agreement requires delivery of the vehicles and equipment in substantially similar condition at the transition time and anticipates additional staff and procurement steps before the county takes operational control.
The agreement does not transfer company contracts or guarantee retention of existing employees; staffing and a separate procurement process for an ambulance director were discussed as next steps.
