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Hardy County EMS authority told to cut budget; commissioners approve $60,000 interim drawdown
Summary
County and HCAA leaders discussed reverting HCAA staffing to an earlier three-person model after budget cuts, renaming an assistant-director post, and approving a $60,000 drawdown to cover operational needs. Commissioners set quarterly reviews tied to performance against the reduced budget.
Derek Ault and Eric Hall, representing the Hardy County Ambulance Authority (HCAA), told commissioners the agency must operate to a reduced budget approved by the commission and that the authority will revert toward a prior three-person staffing model to meet the target.
HCAA leaders said some older vehicles and equipment will be taken out of active service to reduce maintenance and contract costs; Hall listed plans to remove two aging monitors and a five-ton ambulance from the day-to-day fleet. HCAA requested an accelerated drawdown of May funding, and the commission approved a $60,000 transfer by voice vote.
Commissioners and HCAA discussed the assistant-director job title held by one employee; commissioners recommended renaming the position to reflect a “swing paramedic” role and suggested quarterly performance reviews during a one-year adjustment period. The commission directed staff to change the title at the next board meeting and to monitor quarterly performance and savings.
Separately, HCAA and commissioners discussed EMT training and volunteer recruitment. Commissioners encouraged the authority to pursue state and local training models, scholarships, or sponsorships and to set goals for the number of EMTs the county hopes to produce.
The commission also discussed ongoing operational coordination between EMS providers, a proposed daily staffing notification to 9‑1‑1 to avoid double‑page incidents, and transferring assets to local fire departments where appropriate.
