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Commissioners approve EMS ventilator grant and higher transport fees; audit flags EMS-billing controls
Summary
The board accepted a Department of Health grant to buy four Hamilton ventilators, declared Emergency Medical Services Week, approved increased EMS transport fees and discussed repeated audit findings about the county''s EMS billing vendor and the pending October contract review.
Commissioners approved several EMS-related items after a presentation by the county fire/EMS chief.
Grant for ventilators: The board accepted a Department of Health grant to acquire four Hamilton T1 ventilators (one for each primary rescue unit plus a backup). The total equipment cost was listed at $67,000 with a county match of 10% ($6,700); staff reported the match was budgeted and available in grants funds. The board approved acceptance and the matching funds.
EMS Week proclamation: Commissioners adopted a proclamation designating May 18–24 as Emergency Medical Services Week with the theme "We Care for Everyone," recognizing EMS and allied providers.
Transport fee increases: The board approved an updated EMS transport fee schedule designed to bring county fee levels toward regional averages. Approved rates include ALS-1 at $700, ALS-2 at $850, ALS-3 at $950, BLS-1 at $600 and adjusted mileage (about $1.14 per mile reported in the materials). The fee changes were sent to the county''s billing vendor for implementation.
Repeated audit billing note: James Moore auditors had flagged the county''s EMS billing arrangement in the audit report because no SOC 1 report was available from the outside billing vendor; auditors listed that as a recurring compliance/internal-control item. Commissioners stressed resolving the finding before the vendor contract renewal in October. "We need to make sure that that's addressed," a commissioner said; county staff confirmed contract renewal discussions were underway.
Ending: The county will purchase ventilators under the grant, proclaim EMS Week, and apply new transport fees through the billing vendor; commissioners asked staff to ensure EMS-billing internal-control issues are addressed during the contract renewal process.
