Public defense of long-serving medical director forces no action on county RFQ

County commissioners paused a planned procurement step for the Kendall County EMS medical director after an extended public outcry and legal discussion about transparency and contract scope.

Dozens of current and former EMS staff, emergency physicians and residents came to the podium during public comment to defend Dr. Ken Siskel, the county’s medical director for more than two decades. Justin Richard, a paramedic who said he has worked in the county for more than seven years, told commissioners that Siskel "authorizes over 4,000 patient care interventions each year" and described him as "humble, intelligent, and patient." Brian Webb, the county EMS administrator, described 23 years of steady leadership and said he has "never had an issue" with Siskel’s availability or work.

Siskel himself addressed the court and said he has "never been called before this court or DSHS regarding my performance" and invited the commissioners to gather facts before drawing conclusions. "I stand by my 23-year record dedicated in unimpeachable service to Kendall County," he said, adding he welcomes accountability based on facts.

The RFQ item was placed on the agenda after county counsel advised the court about procurement rules for professional services and the possibility that the scope or pay for the medical-director role could exceed thresholds that would trigger a formal RFQ. General counsel summarized the legal tension: the court can grant a discretionary exemption for professional services or, "on the side of transparency," run an RFQ if the anticipated amount or scope could exceed statutory limits. Counsel also said another vendor had contacted the county and expressed interest in providing medical-director services, which complicated an exemption discussion behind closed doors.

Commissioners debating the item split along procedural and transparency lines. Supporters of Siskel urged a narrower, remedial approach — an addendum to the incumbent’s contract to reflect the current salary and a public meeting to resolve concerns. Others said an RFQ would validate the county’s procurement process if the position’s scope or compensation expanded to include services for multiple first-responder organizations.

After receiving legal advice and hearing public comment from paramedics, physicians, the former county EMS administrator and residents, the court declined to act on the RFQ at this session. The judge and general counsel said they have drafted an addendum that would reflect the updated salary and that the matter will return to a future meeting for further action.

What’s next: the court left open the option of a discretionary exemption, an RFQ, or amending the existing contract; any formal change will require a future open-court action and any award over statutory thresholds would follow procurement rules.