Franklin County approves short‑term $50,000 monthly subsidy to keep ambulance service operating while committee studies options

At the March 20 session commissioners discussed a request from A&E Priority Ambulance for financial assistance to maintain current service levels.

Rob Webb of A&E Priority told the finance committee A&E was losing staff to hospitals that can raise pay and requested a $600,000‑a‑year subsidy to maintain four 24/7 crews. The Finance Committee met in special session on Jan. 17 and recommended, and the Full Commission approved, a short‑term plan to provide $50,000 per month for five months (February through June 2023) from American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) funds while the county forms a 5–7 commissioner committee to study long‑term options and financial sustainability.

Commissioners said they sought to avoid a sudden shut‑down of ambulance coverage and to give the committee and county staff time to evaluate alternatives, including staffing models, provider consolidation and regional partnerships. The one‑time interim payments were meant to bridge operations while county leaders and committee members pursue more permanent solutions.

What’s next: The county will disburse the approved interim payments from ARP reserves and the study committee will convene. The committee is expected to report back to the commission with recommendations about long‑term funding, procurement and possible contract terms.

Attribution: Rob Webb (A&E Priority) presented the company’s request. The Finance Committee (members included Commissioners David Eldridge and others) recommended temporary funding; full commission approved the interim payments.