Sandoval County authorizes staffing for new Northwest EMS station, allows up to 15 FTEs if funding secured
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Summary
The commission authorized Sandoval County Fire and Rescue to stand up a Northwest station and approved 12 positions immediately, with authorization to add three more positions (total 15) if the Hickory Apache Nation or other partners provide funding. Funding is expected from the New Mexico Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (EGAD/Medicaid).
The Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 12 authorized the county to establish a Northwest Sandoval County EMS station and to add full-time staffing to replace services that PMS will end on July 1, 2026.
Chief Bagley told the board PMS will cease EMS operations in the region on 2026-07-01 and asked the county to staff a station covering about 1,250 square miles. He requested 12 positions (3 lieutenants, 3 paramedics, 3 EMTs for three-shift coverage and 3 administrative positions) to sustain round-the-clock ALS response and specialized rescue capabilities. Chief Bagley said funding for the initial staffing has been secured for the remainder of the current fiscal year and is expected to recur via the New Mexico Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (EGAD/Medicaid Reimbursement Program).
Deputy officials reported the Hickory Apache Nation expressed interest in funding three additional positions at its casino site, bringing the potential total to 15 FTEs. Commissioners amended the motion to authorize the county manager to add three additional positions if funding becomes available and discussed a four-year initial contract term for the partnership funding.
Commissioners said they value the volunteer provider network in the region and emphasized the funded positions are intended to supplement, not supplant, volunteer services. The board recorded affirmative votes from present commissioners to approve the authorization and the funding-contingent amendment.
