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Purchasing committee approves Merriman EMS 36¢ transport rate increase, grant to cover cost
Summary
Rutherford County purchasing committee approved a 36¢ increase to Merriman Emergency Medical Services’ transport rate tied to 2026 Medicare adjustments; staff said existing grant funding will cover the increase. The vote was uncontested and the item was taken under advisement earlier for review.
Rutherford County’s Purchasing Committee voted to approve a 36¢ increase to the transport rate charged by Merriman Emergency Medical Services, saying the requested rise aligns with 2026 Medicare rate adjustments and is covered by grant funding.
The rate adjustment stems from an agreement the county entered with Merriman Emergency Medical Services on Dec. 15, 2022, to provide patient transport. At the meeting staff summarized the request, saying Merriman had asked for an increase “based on 2026 Medicare liable rates.” Chief Spence confirmed that the county’s grant funds will cover the 36¢ increase, stating, “All our services are covered.”
A committee member moved to approve the increase and a second was recorded. Carla called the roll for the motion and members present voted in favor; the chair declared the motion carried. No recorded objections or abstentions were noted in the meeting record.
Committee members and staff framed the vote as an operational adjustment rather than a change in contract scope; staff said the increase is to pay the provider in line with updated reimbursement rates and that the county’s grant will absorb the additional cost this year. The committee did not direct additional follow-up or amendments to the contract in the meeting record.
Next procedural steps recorded in the meeting: the committee will reconvene on March 17 for further procurement items, and related procurement reviews remain under advisement pending staff analysis.
