Debate at county commission over Freeman handling EMS; some commissioners urge caution while others favor exploring options

A commissioner reported Freeman Fort Scott Hospital Inc. told the county it was open to discussions about operating emergency medical services (EMS) in Bourbon County. The commissioner asked the board to authorize outreach to evaluate whether Freeman could operate EMS and reduce the county subsidy.

Several commissioners and public commenters pushed back. Opponents said Freeman had only recently opened its hospital and needed time to achieve operational stability, obtain Medicare/Medicaid and payer approvals, and demonstrate financial footing. They also noted the county’s EMS had been built up since Mercy left and had recently generated grant revenue and operational improvements; one commissioner estimated the county’s net subsidy to EMS at roughly $212,000 in one past budget summary and said total cost including benefits could be higher.

Supporters of exploring the option said discussions were simply fact-finding and could identify savings without immediate transfer of services. Board members disagreed on timing and process; several said conversations should be part of a broader, documented fact-finding process and that any substantial change should be considered by a full five-member board when seated. No formal decision to transfer EMS to Freeman was made. Several commissioners agreed to continue fact-finding discussions but also urged care to avoid alarming EMS personnel; the board scheduled related follow-up and recommended any personnel matters be handled in executive session when appropriate.