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Crossville work session reviews EMS service arrangements as state bill could shift costs to municipalities
Summary
Council heard an update on emergency medical services delivery, hospital transport agreements, response-time data limits and a closely watched Tennessee bill (Senate Bill 160) that could require municipalities to reimburse counties for EMS costs; discussion included staffing, unit locations and next steps for financial analysis.
City and county emergency medical services were a central topic at the Crossville work session as council members sought clarity on who bears transport costs, where county EMS units are stationed and how a state bill could change local funding responsibilities.
Dr. Fox, presenting on Crossville Fire/EMS matters, told the council that Senate Bill 160 passed the legislature and had reached the governor’s desk; the bill was amended to require a study but may lead to municipalities paying counties for EMS in future sessions. “It's sitting on the governor's desk now to sign,” Fox said, adding later staff believed it had been signed.
Why it matters: Council members said the potential change could require municipalities to reimburse counties for emergency medical services and affect the city budget. Dr. Fox and staff highlighted operational constraints, data gaps and ongoing talks with County EMS leadership.
Key points from the update - State legislation: Dr. Fox described Senate Bill 160 as a bill that could require municipalities to pay counties for EMS provision, potentially covering up to 50% of county costs; the bill was amended to commission a study of the issue and had passed both legislative houses. - Hospital transports: The city’s hospital has an agreement “by default” with Cumberland County EMS to handle out-of-town transports, Dr. Fox said; the Tennessee Health Care Facilities Commission told staff that either the transferring or receiving hospital is responsible for coordinating those transports. - Unit locations and staffing: County EMS Director Miller (in the audience) reportedly told staff he aims to keep units at Fairfield Glade, Tansy, Crab Orchard, Plateau, Pleasant Hill and part-time staffing at Genesis Road, but that county services cannot dedicate units exclusively to Crossville. Miller said he could not commit to keeping three units permanently in Crossville because county resources must remain flexible. - Data limitations: The 9-1-1 center’s director, Director Richmond, informed staff that dispatch software does not separate dispatch origin by city versus county for arrival-time metrics, so city-specific response-time data cannot be extracted from that system.
Next steps and council requests Dr. Fox said he had received an operational plan from Chief South and asked for time to review it with the finance director. Council members requested the topic be discussed in greater detail at an upcoming retreat and asked staff to analyze budget scenarios, including possible revenue sources to cover EMS costs (property tax, sales tax or other options). No formal direction to change service levels was given at the work session.
Ending Staff recommended additional review and a fuller discussion at a May 20 retreat; council members agreed to further study before any funding changes or formal actions.
