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Williamson Health agrees six‑month extension on Spring Hill ambulance coverage while counties negotiate funding; commissioners told EMS costs have risen sharply
Summary
Williamson Health CEO Phil Mazuka and EMS technical staff told commissioners the hospital would extend coverage of the Murray County side of Spring Hill for six months while Murray County and Spring Hill officials seek funding; commissioners were warned EMS operating costs and ambulance staffing have risen substantially.
Williamson Health CEO Phil Mazuka told the June 18 county budget meeting that the hospital agreed to cover ambulance service on the Murray County side of Spring Hill for six months to allow Murray County time to negotiate funding, averting an immediate service gap. Mazuka said the extension will add about $750,000 in operating cost over six months if another revenue source is not secured.
Michael, an EMS technical lead, explained the operational reasons why moving coverage could degrade response times: Williamson County’s 911 center receives all local dispatches and forwarding calls to an outside EMS provider could create delays. He described the current model as a countywide, integrated response that benefits both sides of the municipal boundary.
Commissioners and hospital leadership discussed rising EMS costs in recent years, citing growth in units and changes to staffing patterns (for example, extended off‑duty cycles that increase staffing needs). Mazuka said ambulance operations nationally face low reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid and that Williamson Health has absorbed rising deficits to preserve service.
Commissioners asked whether Williamson Health anticipated reimbursement from Murray County; Mazuka said the hospital expected to be reimbursed if the other county agreed to supplement services, but the extension was offered to prevent immediate disruption to residents. Several commissioners urged continued talks among municipal and county leaders and a transition plan to avoid fragmentation of dispatch and to protect public safety.
Ending: Williamson Health will cover the service for a six‑month period while local and neighboring jurisdictions negotiate a longer‑term funding solution. The board recorded the EMS appropriation within the county budget package and asked staff to monitor costs and potential reimbursements.
