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Franklin County highlights ARPA-funded ambulance delivery and flags budget, software and staffing updates
Summary
County Administrator Mr. Danzel told commissioners April 30 that the first of three ambulances purchased with ARPA funds has been delivered; commissioners discussed ongoing budget pressure, upcoming software renewals, coroner facility progress and personnel work on a new jail leadership patch and badge.
On April 30, Franklin County officials reported delivery of the first of three ambulances the county purchased with ARPA funds and described budget and staffing items county leaders said will shape the coming fiscal year.
County Administrator Mr. Danzel told the Board of Commissioners the county allocated approximately $1,500,000 a couple of years ago to buy three ambulances using American Rescue Plan Act funding, and the first vehicle was unveiled at Franklin County Public Hospital District No. 1’s ceremony in Connell. "It was equipped with [a] power assisted loading system that holds 600 pounds and automatically lowers," Mr. Danzel said, noting the device should reduce manual lifting for EMTs and first responders.
The ambulance purchase was presented as one of several operational items the county is tracking ahead of budget planning. "I think that we need to begin that process already," Mr. Danzel said, urging the board to set budget dates soon and monitor sales tax revenues through the summer. He told commissioners that many municipalities across the state are seeing downward revenue trends while expenses continue to rise.
The administrator also reported that several county software subscriptions are approaching renewal and that staff will review those contracts as the state funding year turns over in June–July. He said he had coordinated with HR to finalize the contract for "Chief Harmon" and that he would need a little more time on Tri-Cities monitoring before bringing further details to the board.
Commissioner Baumann and Commissioner Mullen spoke in support of the ambulance rollout and thanked hospital district staff for organizing the event. Commissioner Baumann said he had recently met with jail staff and praised Chief Harmon’s leadership during the facility’s transition, noting that staff morale appears high and that the jail leadership team has moved toward decisions on badge and uniform design.
The county also provided a short construction update: the coroner’s new morgue building is nearing the slab pour, with underground plumbing and other below-grade work nearly complete, the administrator said.
No formal board action was taken on these reports during the public session.
Looking ahead, county staff said they will schedule budget dates and return with contract- and renewal-specific recommendations for the board’s consideration.
