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County reports two new ambulances, near-complete training facility and workforce challenges for paramedic training
Summary
Deputy Administrator Williams told Marion County Council two new gas ambulances recently arrived, the county's law-enforcement and fire training facility is nearly finished and a detention storage project is under construction; staff flagged paramedic staffing shortages and a training class that needs six local recruits to run.
Deputy Administrator Williams updated the Marion County Council on multiple administrative and capital items, reporting that two new gas ambulances arrived in the last week and are 14-foot-bodied units with enhanced climate-control features. "These are gas ambulances. There are 2," Williams said while describing that the county will keep a better one of the two older units as a spare and has another ambulance on order expected in late 2026.
Williams said the county's detention center storage facility has broken ground and construction is underway. She also described the near-complete law enforcement shooting range and a countywide fire training facility, calling the installations 'state of the art' and noting features such as a rappel tower and a large concrete pour — "about 1,000 yards," she said. Williams said the county plans a grand opening around October and intends to invite the governor and state public-safety officials; she added the county will likely charge a nominal fee for out-of-county users to help cover propane, electricity and maintenance costs.
Council members asked about EMS staffing after the ambulance update. Williams acknowledged paramedic staffing remains a challenge and said the county is working with workforce partners to expand training opportunities but faces recruitment shortfalls. She said a partner-run training class at the ACT Center requires at least six participants to proceed and the provider could not recruit six from Marion County; Williams said staff will help promote the free class. "They need at least 6 to be in the class," she said.
Other items included progress photos and brief remarks on the clerk of court building roof work; several council members thanked public-works staff for recent road and site repairs; and Williams committed to have county maintenance staff inspect mildew reported at certain office spaces. The council later moved into an executive session on a personnel matter; no action was taken during the closed session and the meeting then adjourned.
