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Hampshire County EMS reports improved finances, commission approves $50,000 ambulance purchase
Summary
Chief Hamrick reported improved revenue collection and staffing changes that reduced an earlier payroll shortfall; the commission approved a $50,000 purchase of a used ambulance equipped with monitoring and CPR devices for Springfield station.
Hampshire County Emergency Services Authority (HCSA) leaders told the county commission on June 10 that recent billing recoveries and organizational changes have substantially reduced an anticipated payroll shortfall and allowed the service to move forward with a planned vehicle and equipment purchase.
Chief Hamrick reported that when he took over Feb. 1, the service faced an $813,000 projected payroll deficit for the fiscal year. After restructuring staffing and implementing collection changes, the shortfall estimate dropped; commissioners had approved a $310,000 allocation to cover payroll through July 1. Hamrick said as of the June 10 meeting HCSA had used about $140,000 of that allocation and expected to be roughly $100,000 under the earlier forecast. Staff also identified roughly $100,000 in previously unbilled invoices and recovered approximately $130,000 in Medicaid retroactive claims after clearing an account setup issue; combined recoveries have improved short-term cash balances.
Hamrick said HCSA has filled open positions and plans to staff Springfield station 24/7 beginning July 3. To support that service level, HCSA requested to buy a used ambulance (2008 model with ~120,000 miles but 20,000 miles on a new engine) already equipped with a Lifepak monitor and a Lucas CPR device. New equipment would cost far more; staff reported the package would cost $50,000 and that the funds are available in HCSA’s no-fee account (not county general fund). Commissioners approved the $50,000 expenditure by motion.
Separately, the commission approved an updated medical director agreement with Dr. Bess to meet licensing requirements for volunteer ambulance companies; county staff said the agreement updates dates from the prior contract and that Dr. Bess had no requested changes.
