County, EMS continue to discuss future contract
Contract talks between the county and Jackson County EMS for ambulance services continue.
Brent Teter, co-owner of Jackson County EMS, recently met with the commissioners to discuss the company’s request for additional funds in order to fully staff a second ambulance to serve the county.
In May, Teter and co-owner Jay Watkins outlined the need to fully staff a second ambulance locally. A fully staffed ambulance includes at least one EMT and a paramedic.
Currently, the second ambulance unit is staffed with on-call employees or volunteers who are certified in a variety of training.
Teter estimated that $350,000 would be needed in additional funding to fully staff a second ambulance.
The county’s contract with Jackson County EMS is up for renewal at the end of 2015. For the past three years, the county has budgeted $187,000 per year to Jackson County EMS.
Commissioner Janet Zwonitzer said that the county cannot afford to fully staff another Jackson County EMS truck at the estimated cost $350,000.
Teter suggested that the new contract between the company and the county span five years and include room to gradually increase funding through the years until the second ambulance is fully staffed.
The commissioners stated their concern with budgeting what would be a total of $535,000 in county funds annually to fund two fully staffed ambulances for Jackson County EMS.
Commissioner Bill Elmer stated that the county could possibly help fund staffing for a second ambulance part time, for a portion of the day.
Zwonitzer said that the commissioners are considering providing $65,000 in additional county funds to Jackson County EMS. However, they would like more figures to help determine the appropriate amount to budget for ambulance services.
Teter said he would like to look into either paying an on-call crew more money or paying for a part-time staffed vehicle.
Commissioner Rob Ladner said that if Jackson County is going to pay more money to staff a second ambulance, the second ambulance should be solely used to handle Jackson County calls.
Teter said that if Jackson County EMS has extra staff on hand, they will continue to assist in emergencies in other counties.
The commissioners requested information on fully staffing a second ambulance on a part-time basis. Teter agreed to gather that information.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners met with representatives from Jackson County Developmental Services, including Elizabeth Lewis.
Lewis gave the commissioners an update on the condition of the center and stated that the center needs to replace its laundry equipment, with bids estimated near $9,000 per unit. New flooring is also needed in the workshop.
Lewis stated that the center just received zoning clearance to build a new three-bedroom duplex, totaling six bedrooms, for housing clients.
DSJC is not requesting any additional county funds for the next budget year, it was reported.
In other business, the commission:
* Heard a weekly report from Eric Fritz and Earl Bahret, road and bridge co-supervisors.
* Met with David Luke, a representative from the Kansas County Association Multi-Line Pool (KCAMP), to discuss liability insurance.
* Attended a Federal Emergency Management Agency meeting at the county’s emergency management office.
* Met with Jason Claycamp, zoning director, who outlined a request for a zoning change east of Hoyt on 94th and V Roads. Zoning for part of the individual’s property will be changed to allow construction equipment to be stored on the property.
The planning commission has approved the zoning change. Commissioner Zwonitzer said she was concerned with the county “spot zoning” property in the county. She said she is also concerned that if the current landowner were to move, whoever acquired the land could potentially put any business they want to on this property.
The commissioners agreed to discuss the issue with County Counselor Alex Morrissey before taking any action.
* Met in executive session with Claycamp for 25 minutes to discuss a personnel matter. No action was taken back in open session.
* Ate lunch at the Jackson County Senior Citizens Center.
* Left their chamber to tour recent renovations at the jail and sheriff’s office.
* Received a letter from a citizen with a concern that Banner Creek Reservoir does not have handicap accessible water and fishing docks.
* Signed a Courthouse lawn use request for Lamberson Elite Athletics for Sept. 19.
* Learned that a few people have been camping at the horse trails at Banner Creek Reservoir for several weeks. The commissioners said they were concerned that the campers were not paying for a camping spot since they were staying on the horse trails.
It was noted that campsites are not available on the horse trail and campers can be subject to penalties for not following the regulations at the reservoir.
* Met in executive session with Morrissey and Mick for 20 minutes to discus a matter of attorney/client privilege. No action was taken back in open session.
* Signed off on payroll change notices for John Calvert as a full-time employee for the sheriff’s office and Jacklyn Kaiser as a full-time employee at the jail.
* Adjourned the meeting at 5:16 p.m. All commissioners were present.
