Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve ambulance contract amendments and authorize one-year renewal
Summary
Following Ambulance Oversight Committee recommendations, Brown County approved contract language allowing the contractor to place additional out-of-county units for transfers with prior approval and relaxed mileage/age limits for backup units; the court authorized a one-year renewal (standard 3% increase) subject to partner ratification.
Brown County Commissioners Court voted April 20 to adopt two amendments to the county’s ambulance services contract and to authorize a one-year renewal subject to approval by the county’s cost-sharing partners.
The first amendment, adopted from a recommendation of the Ambulance Oversight Committee, requires that three ambulances be located in the contracted service area at most times while allowing the contractor to place additional out-of-county units for transfers and similar needs when the county judge or a designee grants specific approval. The second amendment alters vehicle-retirement thresholds: front-line units must continue to meet the existing standard (no more than 200,000 miles or five years), while backup/spare units may be retained at higher cumulative mileage (up to 500,000 miles) or older ages (up to seven years) provided they remain in good mechanical condition.
County officials said the changes reflect operational realities the contractor already follows for transfers and mirror practices in other counties, and that the amendments are not intended to increase county cost. The court also voted to authorize renewal of the ambulance contract for another year, including the contract’s standard 3% renewal increase, contingent on approval from the other cost-sharing entities.
Vendor name and packet discrepancy: the contract and meeting materials use the name "Lifeguard" in some places and "Life Force" in others. The court recorded approval of the contract language and renewal while noting that partner cities must also ratify the change.
What comes next: The county will finalize amendments and submit the revised contract to the other cost-sharing entities for ratification; if they approve, the judge pro tem will execute the renewal extension.
Quote (court reading of amendment): "Lifeguard will ensure that three ambulances are located in the contracted service area at any given time unless a specific approval is granted by the county judge or his or her designee for additional use outside the county."
