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Pope County updates EMS building fit‑out and ambulance fleet shortage; new ambulance on backorder to 2026
Summary
County staff said the new EMS facility is near completion with furnishings being procured, but the county's ordered ambulance has been delayed to 2026. Officials reported the fleet at 11 ambulances with 9 operational and are seeking used ambulances and remounts to maintain service.
County officials reported progress on a new Emergency Medical Services facility and described ongoing shortfalls in the ambulance fleet during a workshop discussion.
Furnishings and move: The county official said administrative offices in the new EMS building were painted and nearly ready, with furnishings acquired from state prison surplus estimated at about $18,000 and local vendor Peters contracted to supply residential‑style living‑quarter furnishings (beds, washers/dryers, refrigerators) for roughly $48,000. County staff said they expect to move into the new EMS building in July, with an open house planned after final furnishing and key card installation.
Ambulance fleet and accident: Officials said a 2014 box‑style ambulance was totaled after a highway crash; policy limits on that crash were cited at $25,000. The county said it had an ambulance on order since October 2023; the vendor now projects delivery in 2026 and the county listed a new Type 3 ambulance cost of $285,000. The presenter said the county has 11 ambulances total and 9 operational currently and is exploring used ambulances and re‑mounting older boxes on new chassis as interim solutions.
Operations: Presenters said EMS continues to run multiple crews daily (four crews on some days, five on others) and is working to avoid service gaps while taking vehicles to repair and sourcing replacements. County staff also noted upgrades to phone systems and security for the new EMS building as part of final outfitting.
Related vehicle and site costs: Separately, the presenter said security fencing around a 20‑acre road‑department site will be expensive — the presenter estimated about $250,000 for fencing the entire site with 7‑foot chain link and barbed wire. The road‑department move to Gum Log was described as ahead of schedule and expected in May; the presenter said the county plans to hold the next county cleanup at the current complex before the move.
What was not decided: No formal action or procurement vote was recorded at the workshop. Staff said they would continue to seek used ambulances and remount options and would finalize phone and keycard purchases before occupancy.
Ending: Presenters encouraged elected officials to visit the EMS site and attend an upcoming construction meeting; they said final furnishing and equipment installs will determine the move‑in date.
