Roane County approves $100,000 emergency transfer and immediate fee increase for ambulance services

The Roane County Commission voted unanimously to transfer $100,000 into the county Ambulance Fund (Fund 118) and to make ambulance fee increases effective immediately, steps county leaders said were necessary to cover payroll and operations while revenues recover.

Commissioner Wilson presented the item, saying the county recognized a shortfall in ambulance revenues after call volumes dropped. "To keep us afloat, we need to have a premier ambulance service," Wilson said during the meeting. He told commissioners that fee increases scheduled for July 1 were moved up to provide earlier revenue.

County staff explained the shortfall stemmed from continued declines in call volume countywide and lower-than-expected receipts from hospital-related transports. A staff speaker noted the fee increases adopted last year would have sufficed if call volumes had remained steady, but the county now faces a timing gap between when costs occur and when increased rates take effect.

The action approved an emergency appropriation of $100,000 to cover immediate payroll and operational expenses and directed staff to implement the revised fee schedule immediately rather than on July 1. The motion was moved by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Doug and recorded in the minutes as "motion carries 15."

Commissioners and staff said the county will continue to monitor EMS call volumes and revenue, and return to the commission with updated financial reports. The motion included a directive for Finance and Emergency Services to report back after the new rates are in effect and to provide an updated fund status.

Provenance

Topic introduced: Commissioner Wilson presents ambulance fund shortfall and recommendation for emergency appropriation and fee changes (transcript ~3139–3197). Topic finished: Commission records motion carries 15 for O52511 (transcript ~3194–3197).