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Roane County commission approves routine resolutions, authorizes $100,000 emergency support for EMS
Summary
The Roane County Commission approved a slate of routine budget and administrative resolutions and authorized a $100,000 appropriation to shore up EMS cash flow after commissioners were told call volumes and revenues have declined.
Roane County commissioners on May 12 approved a series of routine resolutions adjusting revenue and appropriations and authorized a $100,000 transfer to stabilize emergency medical services through the end of the fiscal year.
The vote included several budget cleanups and fund adjustments spanning the general fund, drug control fund, opioid abatement fund and debt service accounts. Commissioners carried each motion without extended debate; the clerk recorded motions as carried by the full 15-member commission where noted.
County staff told the commission that EMS call volumes have fallen and that previously planned rate increases and timing changes would not be sufficient to maintain operations until July 1. County staff said moving some fee increases forward and adding a $100,000 appropriation would provide the cash needed to keep ambulances staffed and payroll current.
"We thought we could make the finish line by July 1, when these rate increases kicked in," a county official said. "But calls continue to drop ... this $100,000 will get us to the end of the job first." The comment was made during discussion of Resolution O52511, which commissioners approved.
Among other items the commission approved were a resolution authorizing the county attorney to file suits against listed property owners (O52501), a private-drive naming (O52502), and multiple technical adjustments to the 2024–25 budget and capital project funds (O52503–O52508). Several routine consent and committee items — including a personnel confirmation to the Board of Equalization — were also approved.
Votes at a glance: - O52511 (increase EMS cash flow): Approved; staff cited declining call volume and immediate payroll obligations; motion carried. - O52501 (authorize county attorney to file suits on listed properties): Approved; list amended to remove two entries. - O52502 (private drive naming — 822 Renfro Road): Approved. - O52503–O52508 (revenue and appropriation adjustments for general fund, drug control fund, opioid abatement fund, debt service and capital projects): Approved.
The commission adjourned after a brief announcement about the county Memorial Day march on May 24. Recorded motions were presented by named commissioners and carried as indicated in the official minutes.
