Franklin County names Shoals Ambulance primary provider under five‑year contract

Franklin County commissioners authorized a five‑year primary-ambulance services contract with Shoals Ambulance, LLC d/b/a A & E EMS at the May 18 meeting in Winchester.

The contract was introduced from the floor and approved by voice vote after a motion by Commissioner Jennifer Stines and a second by Commissioner Angie Fuller. The vote was recorded in the meeting minutes as “all ayes” (14–0). Under the contract text on file with the county clerk, Shoals Ambulance will provide 911 and convalescent transports countywide except for two mountainous emergency-service-number (ESN) areas (ESN 425 and ESN 426), which remain served by Grundy County’s ambulance provider.

What commissioners approved: the resolution authorized the county mayor to sign a five‑year agreement naming Shoals Ambulance as the primary provider and required the vendor to maintain vehicles, staff, licensure and insurance at levels specified in the contract. The agreement instructs the vendor to supply multiple front-line units, a pool of reserve units and 24‑hour coverage; it also requires an ambulance maintenance log and periodic reporting to county officials.

Why it matters: the agreement replaces the provider named in an earlier contract and is intended to assure uninterrupted 911 coverage for county residents. The contract requires the vendor to meet response-time expectations and maintain required state licensing and insurances; it also obligates the vendor to provide certain routine ambulance, prisoner and coroner transports for the county.

Vote and next steps: the resolution was approved by voice vote May 18. The county will provide an executed contract copy for the public record. The vendor and county mayor will coordinate stationing, dispatching and the status of reserve vehicles during the contract transition.