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Council approves option to add second ambulance, authorizes funding from EMS and other local sources
Summary
After discussion about coverage and funding, Blackford County councilors voted to approve option 1 to add a second ambulance and authorized using EMS fund balances and other available local sources to support start-up costs.
County officials and council members debated competing options to improve ambulance coverage and keep response times local. Ryan Goodspeed and other officials outlined two options and discussed expected costs, coverage gains and funding sources, including the EMS fund and remaining ARP funds.
One official summarized projected fund balances and said the county could draw on the EMS fund, PSAP funds and remaining ARP funds to cover start-up expenses. "We have the proposal, two proposals in front of us... I highly recommend option 1," one councilor said, citing continuity of coverage and reliability concerns. Another official told the council that with two ambulances the county would be self-sufficient about 90% of the time.
After debate about costs and logistics, a motion was made and seconded to approve option 1. The council conducted a roll-call vote; the chair announced that option 1 passed. The council asked relevant staff to coordinate logistics and notify commissioners when assets were in place.
What happens next: Staff will coordinate procurement and deployment details for the additional ambulance and identify the specific funding mix; the council directed staff to return with implementation timing and staffing plans.
