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Washington County EMS budget reviewed as hospital funds station upgrades

Washington County Board of Commissioners · March 1, 2026

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Summary

County officials reviewed the EMS budget May 24, noting careful CARES Act spending, no capital outlay this fiscal year, and that Washington Regional Medical Center has provided computers and internet to the EMS station; the county may need a transport vehicle and stretchers next year.

Washington County officials reviewed the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) budget during a May 24 recessed meeting, with EMS Director Ms. O’Neal describing revenue and expenditure tables for both EMS and non-emergent transport and saying the department carried no capital outlay in the FY22 request.

"We do not have capital outlay in this year’s budget," Ms. O’Neal said, but she noted potential needs next year, including replacing one transport vehicle and half of the stretchers. County Manager Curtis Potter said the transport side has generally been holding its own financially.

Ms. O’Neal told commissioners she had been cautious in spending CARES Act funds and that Washington Regional Medical Center (WMRC) recently invested in the county EMS station by providing computers and internet service, reducing some EMS operating costs. According to the discussion, WMRC CEO Mr. Avignone has offered additional station improvements, including a shower, kitchenette and expanded sleeping area.

Chair Bill Sexton queried fund-balance impacts and asked whether hospital diversions had affected county costs; Mr. Potter explained the revenue and fund-balance tables, and Ms. O’Neal said that when the hospital was on diversion it helped the county. Commissioner Ann Keyes praised EMS staff during the meeting.

The discussion left the FY22 EMS request without capital purchases; staff said some transport needs may be addressed in the next fiscal year, and the board did not take a final vote on any EMS-specific appropriation at the session. Ms. O’Neal closed her remarks by thanking the board for its support.