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EMS director reports ambulance staffing gains, fleet issues and pursuit of funds for four-wheel drive unit
Summary
Starke County EMS updated commissioners on a Medicaid reimbursement, fleet status (four of five ambulances in service), recent transfers and hires, and discussed seeking a vehicle-replacement fund and evaluating a four-wheel‑drive ambulance that could cost in the mid-six figures.
The county's EMS director briefed commissioners on operations and fleet condition, reporting a Medicaid reimbursement for 2024 and on staffing and vehicles.
“We have a Medicaid reimbursement for 2024 for $23,943.24,” the director said, and added that EMS completed 64 transfers out of 302 calls (about 21% of call volume) during the most recent reporting period. The director said the system was operating four of five ambulances; one unit (the oldest) is out of service with rusted body mounts and has been placed for auction. Several units are in service and a new unit is awaiting radio transfers.
Staff discussed hiring updates: one internal paramedic was hired full time (Travis Clarius), another internal candidate was considering a full-time offer, and several part-time EMT applicants remain on a waiting list. The director also described maintenance needs (engines, a transmission concern on one unit and impending base remediation quotes running about $28,000 per base) and said a second MIH (Mobile Integrated Health) grant application was submitted and under review.
On vehicle planning, staff said a demo four‑wheel‑drive ambulance will be on site for review and that a new fully outfitted ambulance can cost in the mid‑hundreds of thousands. Commissioners discussed creating a dedicated vehicle replacement fund or capital improvement fund to accumulate resources rather than face a single-year procurement hit.
The board did not take a final procurement vote but authorized staff to continue vendor/demonstration evaluations and to return with cost estimates and potential funding paths.
