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Hospital asks county for letter supporting congressional funding to replace aging ambulance fleet
Summary
Hospital representatives requested a county letter of support for a congressionally directed spending application to replace up to several aging ambulances; fleet of six has high mileage, mounting maintenance costs and the oldest unit has been out of service for a year.
Representatives from SHS told the board they are seeking a letter of support from local governments to accompany a congressionally directed spending application through Representative Herd’s office to help replace ambulances in the county’s emergency medical services fleet.
Bridget, the hospital’s grants manager, said SHS operates six ambulances; the oldest (a 2012 model) has been out of service awaiting a replacement motor for nearly a year and the remaining vehicles have 150,000–200,000 road miles. Vehicle-only costs have climbed from about $272,000 last year to $324,000 this year and are expected to rise toward $350,000 next year; a fully equipped ambulance can run $475,000–$500,000.
Bridget said SHS routinely seeks the state provider grant that historically provides a 50% match from fees collected from vehicle registration, but that the state funding has not been sufficient to maintain the fleet. Hospital staff asked commissioners to sign a letter of local support quickly because the congressionally directed spending deadline is imminent; commissioner and staff comments noted Representative Herd’s office was already aware of the request.
Commissioners did not take a final vote during the meeting but directed staff to prepare a letter of support for signature so SHS can meet the application deadline.
