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Commissioners review CIP adjustments and debate ambulance equipment, EMS supervision and enterprise‑fund timing
Summary
In a work session on the FY2026–2031 capital improvement plan, staff proposed a smaller FY26 CIP and moved several projects to later years; commissioners questioned ambulance equipment costs, life‑cycle of cardiac monitors, double‑dispatch and the need for additional EMS supervisors.
County staff led a detailed work session on the capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2026–2031, explaining an overall downshift in FY2026 capital spending and the repositioning of several projects across departments.
Danielle Russell (speaker 14) summarized reductions in multiple departments and noted a total CIP decrease from $89.8 million to $62.1 million across the six‑year span. Public‑safety questions focused on ambulance transfers from volunteer companies and the cost to re‑equip those units; Ken Miller (speaker 23) explained that some transferred ambulances lack compatible stretchers or life‑saving cardiac devices and that replacement or retrofit costs can be substantial. He said the county faces equipment obsolescence: "the life pack fifteens that we have are currently ... coming up or already outdated at their 8 year lifespan." Miller described lease versus buy options and that some units' replacement parts are no longer manufactured.
Commissioners also discussed EMS supervisory span of control and the county's dual response model, noting instances of double dispatch when career crews and volunteer crews respond to the same call. Staff offered to convene a work session with emergency communications, career EMS and volunteer representatives to analyze dispatching practices and run‑cards.
On enterprise projects, staff explained that water and sewer projects were pushed out based on asset‑management priorities and grant timing; enterprise rates had been increased previously to support capital needs. The board gave direction to refine project timing, confirm bonding authority and return with additional fiscal details.
