By Nicky Boyette
In the Nov. 8 election, voters in the eastern part of Carroll County approved a 2.5 mill tax to establish an ambulance district for that side of the county. On Monday, five Justices of the Peace met for the first time since the election to discuss what happens next. JP John Reeve, who was a strong proponent for the service, chaired the meeting.
Reeve said the first thing would be County Judge Sam Barr’s appointment of five commissioners who would prepare a proposal stating the expected technical requirements of the provider; where the ambulances would be housed; and duration of the contract between the commission and the service provider among other stipulations – in other words, set up clearly what they want for their district.
The commission would develop evaluation criteria including cost and technical performance specs. Then they would send out the Request for Proposal to see who wants the job. Once responses are returned, the commission would evaluate and make a recommendation to Barr, who awards the contract.
Reeve pointed out this process is only to establish an emergency ambulance service for the eastern part of the county. There still might be a need for a patient transfer service.
JP Chuck Olson said the Western Carroll County Ambulance District also has five commissioners, and each of the five fire departments in their part of the county has a representative. JPs agreed some version of this concept would make sense for the eastern district.
Reeve suggested he would arrange for another committee meeting a week prior to the December Quorum Court meeting, and JPs should come prepared with names to put on a list for Barr to consider for the new commission.