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Spencer County approves EMS personnel changes and authorizes bids for a new ambulance
Summary
The court approved personnel adjustments in EMS and voted to solicit bids for a Type‑1 ambulance, citing delivery lead times of 18–20 months and the need to lock pricing ahead of further increases. Court members debated tradeoffs between 4‑wheel‑drive Type‑1 vehicles and lower‑cost Type‑3 vans.
The Spencer County Fiscal Court on Dec. 2 approved EMS personnel changes and authorized staff to solicit bids to purchase a new ambulance, actions officials said were aimed at maintaining service coverage and mitigating rising vehicle costs.
Staff reported that paramedic Yusef Paliwai had chosen to convert from full‑time to part‑time status. The court approved a slate of recommended personnel changes, including pay‑rate adjustments and an internal shift of staff assignments. A formal motion by Mike, seconded by Zach, approved those personnel changes by voice vote.
Court members then held an extended discussion about replacing an aging ambulance and whether to specify a Type‑1 (truck‑style, typically 4‑wheel‑drive) or Type‑3 (van‑style, lower cost) unit. Staff said industry lead times are currently 18–20 months and that prices have risen; one referenced state pricing around $215,000 for a Type‑1 and suggested a savings of roughly $40,000 for a Type‑3. Commissioners emphasized the operational benefit of 4‑wheel drive on rural drives but also noted budget pressure.
A motion by Zach, seconded by Mike, directed staff to put the procurement out for bids for a Type‑1 F‑series ambulance and to explore cooperative purchasing that might lock current state pricing. Members discussed budget timing and the need to obligate funds before year‑end for purchasing slots; no final purchase invoice was signed at the meeting.
