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County to assume Georgia's Creek ambulance operations; MOU approved
Summary
Commissioners authorized an MOU to transfer a failing volunteer ambulance operation to county EMS, taking possession of a building and three ambulances and planning repairs and staffing over six to nine months.
Allegany County commissioners approved an agreement to take over the Georgia's Creek ambulance operation and facility and to staff it with county EMS personnel.
County Administrator Jason Bennett and county staff told commissioners the memorandum of understanding will transfer the ambulance building, three ambulances (one a 2022 Ford F-550), two Lifepak defibrillators and other assets to the county so it can stabilize and operate emergency medical services in the area. Staff estimated about six to nine months of maintenance work will be required before the facility is fully operational and estimated the repairs would cost approximately $100,000. About half of that estimate is tied to sprinkler-system liability costs, Bennett said.
The county indicated it owes about $156,000 on the newer ambulance; staff said they expect to recover part of that amount by selling two older ambulances. Bennett said the towns of Lonoke County and Westernport agreed to contribute $5,000 each to help the start-up. County staff said the county budgeted for operation of the site in FY25 and that current EMS coverage will continue from existing Tri-Towns and Frostburg locations until the new county-run site opens.
Bennett asked the commissioners to approve the MOU and to authorize the county administrator to execute closing documents; commissioners moved, seconded and voted in favor. Staff said deed work and closing documents would be started immediately.
Officials thanked local mayors and community members for assistance during the transfer process and described the action as an effort to maintain ambulance coverage for the region while replacing a failing private operation with county-run EMS staffing.
