Commissioners table $16,644 EMS striker maintenance agreement after cost and coverage concerns

The Williams County Board of Commissioners tabled a proposed preventive maintenance agreement for EMS striker equipment after several commissioners questioned its scope and value.

Clerk (S2) introduced Resolution 206, describing a preventive maintenance agreement for striker equipment not to exceed $16,644.21 with a term through 2026. Commissioner (S3) said the figure "seems excessive to me" and pressed staff for detail on whether key items such as batteries and electronic components were covered. "It's not gonna cover batteries," Commissioner (S3) said, adding that some repairs have previously cost only a few hundred dollars.

Staff member (S8) explained the maintenance vendor would perform routine checks — "they touch it, they look at it, they check bearings, they grease things" — but confirmed that electronic repairs would be billed separately. Chair (S1) asked for historical expense data: "Can we get a listing of what we had to do to him last year?" and urged tabling until that information is provided.

Commissioners noted a standing agreement had expired and debated whether a smaller preventative contract (staff later described a $6,000 option) would be more appropriate than a larger $16,644 contract. Commissioner (S3) said the board should hear the vendor's sales pitch and asked that the item return to the EMS meeting for a fuller review.

The board opted to table Resolution 206 pending a clearer cost-history report and a staff recommendation on scope and alternatives. No formal vote on the larger contract was recorded while the item is on hold.

The decision leaves the EMS department operating under its current practices while commissioners request documentation of past maintenance costs and a clearer list of covered items before considering a contract.