Court ratifies county’s application for state ambulance grant; ESD to operate vehicle under MOU

The county ratified an application to a new state program seeking approximately $350,000 to acquire an ambulance for countywide emergency-service use. Brooke (Grants Committee, S7) told commissioners the application was submitted on Jan. 29, 2026 and required court ratification because the program limits applications to counties.

"It's $350,000. It's a 5 year period of performance," Brooke said, explaining the program’s basic terms and that the county must remain the registered owner of any vehicle acquired under the grant.

Brooke and other staff said the county would not operate the ambulance directly: the Emergency Services District (ESD 200) would operate and man the vehicle under a memorandum of understanding addressing storage, maintenance, insurance and indemnification. Brooke said the grants committee sought guidance from the county district attorney and would coordinate terms with the DA’s office before the county accepts any award.

Commissioners amended the ratification language on the floor to reflect that the court was ratifying an already‑submitted application rather than separately authorizing submission, and then approved the amended motion by voice vote.

ESD representatives and other speakers said an additional ambulance would reduce response times and help cover the county’s large geographic area and rising call volume. No final award has been announced; staff noted that if the county is awarded funds it will need to execute an MOU with ESD 200 and complete any sub‑agreements the Comptroller’s Office requires for recipients.

The court’s action at this meeting ratified the submission and authorized staff to negotiate necessary interlocal agreements and sub‑agreements if an award is received.