Carlisle County approves EMS training, hires dispatcher and authorizes short-term fund moves amid cash concerns

Carlisle County magistrates approved several routine but fiscally relevant items as the county enters its new fiscal year, including EMS training travel, a new hire for public-safety staffing and authorization to move short-term funds if cash flow requires it.

Speaker 5, delivering the ambulance report, said the EMS service will begin spending a recurring $10,000 allocation for equipment replacement and asked permission for two staff members (Speaker 5 and Reese Belcher) to attend an EMS conference in Owensboro in September. Speaker 2 moved to authorize the travel and related expenses; Speaker 1 seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.

On staffing, the board considered hiring Shannon Salas for 9-1-1 duties at a starting wage of $15 an hour until certification. Speaker 1 moved to hire Salas; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Board members also discussed a temporary cash shortfall tied to the timing of state disbursements. Officials said they do not expect state funds until mid-to-late August and that insurance payments and other regular bills create pressure in the current month. The board voted to record approval in the minutes to permit withdrawing funds from a certificate of deposit (CD) if necessary; Speaker 3 moved the authorization and Speaker 1 seconded.

The board approved the monthly financial report and a retroactive transfer backdated to the 30th. Officials said they will prioritize shifting money between accounts before making permanent withdrawals, and indicated they expect some insurance reimbursements to offset recent outlays. No large, multi-year budget commitments were adopted at the meeting.