Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ambulance Deployment Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ambulance District pursues Idaho Department of Lands wildfire-deployment contract after revenue briefing
Summary
Gooding County Ambulance District trustees voted to pursue a contract with the Idaho Department of Lands after hearing that nearby Lincoln County earned more than $190,000 over four years by deploying vehicles and staff for wildland fire response.
Director Kepler opened the Ambulance District segment by introducing Jim Henson of Lincoln County EMS, who described revenue opportunities from wildfire deployments under contracts with the Idaho Department of Lands. Henson said Lincoln County "in a fouryear span...has made over $190,000 by deploying vehicles and staff," and that individual staff can earn "anywhere from $7,000 – over $10,000 in a two-week period." He told the Board that "nothing comes out of the county’s pocket."
Commissioners asked about staff interest and whether older ambulances could be re-equipped. Director Kepler said he has interested staff and will obtain estimates to retrofit two stripped-down ambulances. After discussion Commissioner Vern Eames moved to pursue a contract with the Idaho Department of Lands and to obtain cost estimates; Commissioner Ronald Buhler seconded the motion and it carried. The Board directed Director Kepler to report back with cost estimates and a proposed contract scope for further consideration.
The decision sends staff to collect pricing and capability details; there was no formal approval of expenditures or commitment of county funds at this meeting. The Ambulance District's next steps are to present retrofit cost estimates and a draft contract for Commissioners' review.
