Aransas County invokes procurement exemption for EMS and authorizes contract negotiations with Allegiance EMS

The Aransas County Commissioners Court invoked a procurement exemption under public‑health procurement rules and authorized the county attorney's office and the auditor’s office to begin contract negotiations with Allegiance EMS to continue emergency medical services in the county.

County staff told the court the existing EMS contract expired Dec. 31, 2024, and state public‑health procurement rules allow an exemption when continuity of emergency medical services is at stake. “The first one is just invoking the procurement exemption,” a county official said while explaining the procedural steps. The subsequent motion directed staff to negotiate a new contract with Allegiance EMS and to return final documents to the court for approval.

Why it matters: the exemption allows the county to continue providing or overseeing EMS services without interrupting emergency response while staff complete a negotiated contract process. Commissioners instructed staff to record the exemption in the minutes as required and to proceed with negotiations.

Vote and next steps: The court recorded an aye vote and approved invoking the exemption and authorized negotiations with Allegiance EMS. County staff will draft the contract and return it for court approval.