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Spencer County approves EMS background-check vendor, hires paramedic and votes to buy used ambulance
Summary
Spencer County Fiscal Court on March 2 approved a service agreement for national EMS background checks, hired a part-time paramedic, and voted to purchase a used ambulance with a dealer powertrain warranty after debating repair-versus-replace options and funding timing.
Spencer County Fiscal Court on March 2 authorized three actions related to emergency medical services: it approved a service agreement to perform national background checks, approved the hire of a part-time paramedic, and voted to purchase a used ambulance contingent on a short-term powertrain warranty.
The court voted to enter into a service agreement with Viewpoint Screening for initial and annual national background checks after EMS officials told the court new rules require national rather than state-only checks. Robert Klinglesmith (EMS) presented Viewpoint as the most cost-effective option; the court approved the agreement by voice vote (motion by Esq. Stump, seconded by Esq. Cotton).
The court also approved hiring Erin Hudson as a part-time paramedic at a rate of $19.20 per hour after the candidate met pre-employment requirements. The motion to hire was made by Esq. Cotton, seconded by Esq. Stump, and approved by voice vote.
On the question of ambulance fleet maintenance, EMS described estimates for replacing the engine in Med 2 and for acquiring replacement vehicles. Estimates cited included Shelby Diesel at about $33,249.08 and All State Ford at about $25,562.81 to replace an engine; court materials also referenced a 2022 International unit priced near $50,000 including shipping as an alternative. After discussion about potential downstream repair risks if the existing engine were replaced and how to fund a purchase (including restoring funds temporarily used for a radio tower), a motion by Esq. Pharris to buy a $40,000 ambulance if the dealer would provide a powertrain warranty for up to 30 days passed on roll-call: ayes from Esq. Stump, Esq. Pharris, Judge Scott Travis, Esq. Travis and Esq. Cotton; nay from Esq. Eldridge.
Court members noted the need to ensure funds are returned to the account used to cover the purchase because some funds had been temporarily redirected to a radio tower purchase. The court did not take further action on warranty terms at this meeting beyond approving the purchase motion.
The EMS items were presented as routine operational and personnel measures; formally enacted votes and hiring approvals were recorded in the meeting minutes.
