Oak Ridge approves agreement process with Roane and Anderson counties for West End ambulance coverage

Oak Ridge City Council voted to begin the agreement process with Roane County and Anderson County to adjust ambulance coverage boundaries inside the city, particularly to improve response times for the West End/preserve.

"So, what this allows is a quicker response for our West End citizens," said the fire chief presenting the resolution authorizing agreements with Roane County EMS and Anderson County EMS. Roane County EMS director Tim Suter told the council his department staffs four ambulances "24 a day, 7 days a week" and said the new station near Gallaher Road would shorten travel time to the preserve. Anderson County director Nathan Sweet said Anderson County supports whatever the city decides and will cooperate as needed.

Councilmembers asked detailed operational questions about ALS parity, dispatch (computer-aided dispatch updates planned ahead of an April 1 target), fee structures, mutual-aid protocols and legal review. Sarah Girard of the city's legal team said legal cannot yet confirm the agreements will provide the same level of ambulance service to all Oak Ridge residents and recommended contract details be finalized with the counties. After discussion the council approved the resolution 7'0'00, directing staff to continue negotiations and return final agreements for legal review and county approval.

The resolution does not itself change vendor contracts; it authorizes the city to enter into agreements and coordinate with county partners, with the expectation that both counties will need to approve final contract language.