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Resident tells commissioners of delayed EMS response; county manager cites staffing shortages
Summary
During public comments at the Feb. 8 meeting, resident Willie Jackson said EMS failed to reach his wife after an accident and alleged mutual‑aid problems; County Manager Michael Dinnerman responded that both ambulances were on other calls and said Grady is experiencing staffing shortages while the county seeks solutions.
Resident Willie Jackson told the Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 8 that his wife had an accident and that EMS did not arrive. Jackson said a follow-up call was answered that no ambulance was available and that mutual‑aid assistance from Irwin County did not come because of Ben Hill’s contract with Grady.
County Manager Michael Dinnerman responded during public comments that both ambulances were out on other calls and said that Grady Medical Center is experiencing a staffing shortage; he said the lack of response “had nothing to do with the contract.” Chairman Steve Taylor said the commission continues to discuss the issue and is seeking a solution.
Alvin Dorn, a resident, asked who his county commissioner is and raised a separate concern about road maintenance on Joshlyn Road; he also asked about a DOT roundabout by Lynnwood School. Dinnerman said resurfacing follows a priority list and that the roundabout is a Georgia Department of Transportation project.
The meeting minutes record the residents’ concerns and the county’s responses; the minutes do not include commitments to specific new EMS contracts or changes in mutual aid at the time of adjournment.
