Spencer County to spend up to $167,000 of CARES payroll reimbursements on EMS power cots and power‑load systems

Spencer County Fiscal Court approved spending up to $167,000 to replace manual stretchers and loading systems in its EMS fleet with power‑assist cots and power‑load systems, the court minutes show.

EMS Director Chris Limpp told the court the purchase — long planned in a 10‑year vehicle/equipment plan — was accelerated because CARES Act funding reimbursing EMS salaries created a funding source. Limpp said the power cots and automated load systems reduce the risk of COVID exposure for crews and lower lifting and back‑injury risks for first responders.

Stryker quotes in the meeting packet showed multiple configurations. One quote listed Power‑PRO XT stretchers and POWER‑LOAD systems with accessory options and trade‑in credits; combined equipment and installation totals in the packet ranged from about $77,000 (net with trade‑ins) to roughly $85,000 per option line, yielding a total package in the $166,000–$177,000 range depending on configuration and trade‑ins. Installer estimates from a local contractor (Inst‑A‑Tech) were also included.

The court recorded a motion to approve spending up to $167,000 to purchase power cots and power‑load systems and associated installation; minutes state the motion passed (roll call recorded in packet). Limpp said the equipment is transferable between ambulances and part of a longer‑term vehicle retrofit plan. He also told the court that, regionally, many neighboring counties had already adopted power‑assist systems.

The purchase was described as CARES‑funded because Limpp intends to use payroll‑reimbursement money the county received for EMS salary costs. The court asked staff to verify reimbursement rules and accounting treatment. The court approved the expenditure by roll call, and Limpp said he would keep the court updated on delivery and installation schedules.