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Commissioner raises concern that local ambulance provider may leave; townships exploring pooled purchase
Summary
A commissioner told the Barry County Board that a local ambulance company may close or sell operations, prompting townships to consider pooled contributions (about $20,000 each) to buy a used ambulance to maintain local service.
Commissioner Tunnessen told the Barry County Board of Commissioners that Mercy, a local ambulance provider, is under financial strain and may "not remain here" or could be sold, potentially reducing ambulance availability in the county.
Tunnessen said Mercy had asked each of the county’s five townships for financial help and that township leaders are discussing a proactive buy-in: "they're trying to get all 5 townships to kick in $20,000 towards an in purchase of a used ambulance," she said, citing work by local fire chiefs and township supervisors to prevent a service gap.
Tunnessen praised Jim Partridge and A. Carpenter (town supervisors named in the transcript) and cited Mark Jordan, a fire chief leading local efforts, as working to secure an ambulance so first‑responder coverage isn’t interrupted.
No vote or formal county financial commitment occurred during the meeting; the matter remains at the township and fire‑service coordination stage, according to the commissioner’s report. Commissioners described the measure as proactive planning to avoid future lapses in ambulance coverage.
