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Commission approves EMS grant accounting, delegates initial HCSA exemption decisions and hears plan for countywide EMS/fire training
Summary
Commission set up a general-fund line to receive a $90,909.09 WV Department of Health EMS supplemental grant, agreed to refer distribution to the chief’s recommendation (a four-way split with a 30% local match), authorized HCSA to make initial exemption decisions, and discussed creating a county training position to boost recruitment and school programs.
At its Nov. 18 meeting, the Hampshire County Commission voted to place $90,909.09 in EMS supplemental funds from the West Virginia Department of Health into a dedicated line in the general fund (budget revision number 4). Chief Hamrick recommended dividing the funds equally among the county's four transport providers (three volunteer companies and HCSA) and noted a 30% local-match requirement for purchases under the grant rules; commissioners asked staff to coordinate with the agencies so money is used where it has the most impact and to consider flexibility for partners that cannot raise the match.
Separately, commissioners voted to delegate initial determinations on HCSA exemptions for ambulance bills to the HCSA chief's office, leaving appeal rights to the commission and the circuit court. Chief Hamrick remained in attendance to answer questions and said his office will continue to consult commissioners on complex cases.
Chief Hamrick also presented a proposal to formalize a county training structure: make the acting deputy the deputy director of emergency management (reflecting that 70–98% of the position's work is emergency management) and create a training-captain role responsible for delivering regular fire, EMS, vehicle rescue and hazmat training, and for rebuilding a high-school EMS/fire program. Hamrick said the reorganization should be near cost-neutral through reallocation of payroll and reduced overtime, and that the county may pursue grants and partnerships to support regional training and a future training facility. Commissioners urged further study, board consultation and detailed budget modeling before any personnel action.
