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Franklin County EMS to bid replacement for ambulance after structural failures; four staff recognized by state association
Summary
County staff reported that Medic 3 is structurally failing and will be sent out for bid for replacement; Franklin County EMS staff received four statewide awards from the Kansas EMS Association.
Franklin County staff told the Board of Commissioners on July 16 that Medic 3, an ambulance remounted in 2021, is showing structural separation and cannot be reliably repaired and will be put out for bid for a replacement vehicle.
A county EMS presenter said crews reported water intrusion when it rains. A local body shop initially repaired a cracked section for about $1,000, but the problem recurred. A more detailed inspection showed the ambulance box separating at weld joints and rivets popping as the bottom was sagging and placing stress on the box. The presenter said that while the vehicle remains safe for now, the box cannot be indefinitely repaired and the department will solicit bids for a new ambulance. "From a cost standpoint, it would be cheaper to go ahead and purchase a new ambulance than try to retrofit something to make it work," the presenter said.
The presenter said funding for the replacement has been discussed with county finance staff and that a formal procurement item will return to the board.
Separately, staff announced four Franklin County EMS recognitions from the Kansas EMS Association: Paramedic Laura Baker (Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year), Louise Bardwell (Pediatric Provider of the Year), Jason Hudson (EMS Support Person of the Year) and Abigail Truman (Community Service Award). The county representative said roughly 10'12 awards are given statewide and Franklin County received four.
Sheriff's report: The sheriff told commissioners the jail population had fallen to 65 inmates (down from around 90 earlier) and that the county will remain on an ICE detainer-contract listing; the sheriff clarified the contract only requires the county to notify ICE if an inmate in county custody has ICE paperwork, and ICE must provide a warrant and retrieve detainees within 48 hours or the county must release them unless held on county charges. The sheriff said the county does not proactively enforce immigration status in the community.
The sheriff also said medical staffing for the jail will remain at the LPN rate for one year, which will reduce the expected budget increase tied to switching to RN staffing.
No procurement vote on the ambulance occurred at the meeting; staff will prepare a formal bid/contract item for a future meeting.
