Hancock County board approves proposed 7-year Stryker contract as new ambulance enters service; narcotic diversion reported

Hancock County board members voted unanimously July 6 to approve a proposed seven-year contract with Stryker for two cots, two power-load systems and a seven-year Procare warranty, and to deem extra EMS equipment as surplus, as the county reported its new ambulance is in service.

The vote on the Stryker proposal came after Aaron Feagain noted extra equipment held in storage and presented the vendor's quote: $15,717.49 annually for seven years for the two cots, two power-load systems and the warranty. Joe Boyles moved to approve the seven-year contract "on approval of the state's attorney," Michelle Merritt seconded, and all members present voted aye (Harry Douglas, Joe Boyles, Michelle Merritt, Mark Harrison and Mark Menn).

Board members also approved a motion to declare certain EMS equipment surplus. The motion was made by Boyles and seconded by Harrison; the board voted unanimously to approve the surplus designation.

The minutes additionally record operational updates: the county's new ambulance is now in service and officials reported 112 calls for service (105 billable), 86 transports, 39 basic life support calls and 55 advanced life support calls. The board noted receipt of the first tax installment.

The minutes report a possible narcotic diversion: a tampered seal and a lid that had been rotated but not fully removed were discovered. The county said the matter is under investigation and that some employees have been drug tested; no formal conclusion or personnel actions are recorded in the minutes.

Mark Menn told the board that the county met with Memorial Hospital and that there will be no further negotiating on the matter; the issue was left to Memorial Hospital. The Stryker contract and the mutual-aid resolution discussed later in the meeting were recorded as contingent on review by the state's attorney.

The board recessed and later adjourned at 7:39 p.m.