Commissioners approve $1.1 million plan for two ambulances; health-board appointment confirmed

Blackford County commissioners voted to move forward with a contract to place two ambulances in the county, approving a proposal the board described as a partnership with IU Health that would station one ambulance in Hartford City and one in Montpelier.

A commissioner (Speaker S7) moved to approve the contract, saying the county had previously approved a single ambulance with a $200,000 commitment that had not met local needs. The motion to provide two ambulances, at a stated cost of $1,100,000, passed by voice vote as recorded by the chair (3-0). The chair then confirmed the council had already approved the plan and that the county would finalize placement once procurement steps were completed.

The board also approved the appointment of Susan Pace to the county health department board. The chair read the recommendation aloud and a motion to appoint Pace was seconded and approved by the commissioners.

Votes at a glance: - Ambulance contract (two ambulances through IU Health) — motion moved by Commissioner (S7); second recorded; outcome: approved (vote read as 3-0). Cost reported: $1,100,000. - Appointment of Susan Pace to the county health department board — motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved (voice vote).

Why it matters: County leaders said two ambulances will expand local emergency coverage compared with the single-ambulance arrangement previously used. Commissioners said they expect to finalize contract details and placement locations quickly so the service can begin once vehicles are available.

What’s next: Officials said they will complete contract paperwork and move forward with procurement and stationing of the ambulances. The board did not set a public implementation date during the meeting.