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Board pauses EMS dual‑role pending review and authorizes ambulance procurement RFP
Summary
Supervisors voted to temporarily pause two county EMS/MEI roles pending a May review and approved issuing an RFP for the ambulance module after deciding to prioritize a Ram 5500-type chassis for reasons of cabin space, dealer availability and state bid pricing.
The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 23 acknowledged an Emergency Management Commission decision to temporarily pause two staffing roles tied to EMS and MEI, including duties performed by Jeff Fournance, while a four‑member committee of local officials reviews job descriptions and HR recommendations. The board recorded a motion to pause those positions until May 27, 2026, and agreed to revisit the matter after the EMC/EMA committee completes its work.
Separately, county officials and emergency services staff discussed specifications for a Type 1 ambulance chassis and the procurement approach. Staff recommended using a Ram 5500 (or equivalent Ram chassis) for the county ambulances, citing greater cab and leg room, higher market share among new modules, favorable state bid pricing, and a local Ram dealer for routine service. Speakers noted that Ford and Chevy options could increase the cost of the module box or require longer service travel; one vendor reported that Chevy chassis were not being supplied by that manufacturer for the county’s module build.
The board directed staff to send procurement letters and to issue an RFP for the ambulance module box tied to the chosen chassis. The RFP submittal date was set for March 16 at 9 a.m. at the auditor’s office. Board members discussed 2‑wheel vs. 4‑wheel drive tradeoffs, vendor lead times (about 180 days), and the importance of matching the box to the chassis in the RFP.
What the board decided: A motion to temporarily pause the EMS/MEI appointments until May 27 carried 4‑0 with one supervisor absent. A separate motion to publish procurement letters and an RFP for the ambulance module with the revised due date carried 4‑0. Staff will return with RFP responses and additional procurement details for final approval.
Quotes from the meeting: One participant summarized the auditor/vendor evaluation of chassis options: "Ram chassis . . . has 75% of market share" and offers more cabin space and serviceability, a factor county staff said favors the Ram choice for new Type 1 ambulances.
Next steps: Staff will publish the RFP package, collect bids, and present vendor proposals to the board for final awarding. The EMS staffing pause will be revisited after EMC/EMA committee meetings conclude on or after May 27.
