County Votes to Remain with Corsicana EMS in Texas

Jan. 12--Navarro County commissioners voted Monday to stay with Corsicana EMS service for county residents.

The deal still needs to have the contract language ironed out, but it represents a change in the county's plans to switch to a private ambulance provider, and the city's willingness to enter into a multi-year contract.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to pursue finalizing a two-year contract with the city of Corsicana, valued at $370,000 per year, to continue to provide ambulance service to county residents outside the city limits of Corsicana. Pct. 3 Commissioner David "Butch" Warren cast the lone "no" vote, citing a long-disputed agreement to house city jail prisoners at no cost as the main reason for his dissenting vote.

"This isn't about winning a battle," said Pct. 4 Commissioner James Olsen. "Public safety and human life are worth more than that."

Commissioners have been looking at a solution for EMS service for county residents for a while, since the city of Corsicana cancelled the existing agreement to provide ambulance service outside the city limits starting Jan. 31, 2015, when the two entities couldn't come to terms on an agreement during budget talks in 2014.

The county had voted its intent to work with Allegiance Ambulance of Georgetown at a Dec. 29 court meeting. That company had proposed providing two full-time ambulances in the county for $300,000 per year on a three-year deal.

The city of Corsicana's offer provides access to four full-time ambulances, with two more units available to be pulled into service if needed.

More coverage, the positive reputation of the Corsicana EMSoperation and input from county residents were key factors in the commissioners' decision Monday.

"Having six instead of two (ambulances) is more in line with taking care of the citizens of the county," said County Judge H.M. Davenport Jr.

Pct. 1 Commissioner Jason Grant said a lot of his constituents wanted a deal worked out with Corsicana EMS.

"What you have to ask yourself is, is the extra money worth the two more ambulances you would have ...," Grant said. "I think it's beneficial to keep a relationship with the city."

"This is a huge issue for us," said Pct. 2 Commissioner Dick Martin, citing the need for more than two ambulances at a time in the county as one that occurs frequently, based on dispatch records. "That becomes critical. It's weighing heavily on all of us."

Navarro County Sheriff Elmer Tanner told commissioners his personal opinion was an agreement with the city would be the best deal for county citizens.

"I'm not privy to all the information in front of you ... but sometimes the cheapest route isn't the best route," Tanner said.

Gail Christie of Kerens -- herself a paramedic in another county -- agreed with Tanner's statement, and spoke in support of CorsicanaEMS crews.

"We've had nothing but quality service from the city of Corsicana (EMS)," Christie said. "No one wants to give that up."

Warren agreed the service provided by Corsicana EMS was "excellent" but said he didn't believe the city had made any concessions in talks with the county about EMS or other shared services.

"I believe if Corsicana would handle their responsibilities for their prisoners, it would be easier for us to handle this contract." Warren was referencing a long-standing -- and frequently disputed -- 30-year-old agreement between the city and the county that calls for the county to house city prisoners free of charge in exchange for closing a portion of 12th Street to allow for the construction of present Navarro County Jail back in the 1980's. City leaders claim the deal is "in perpetuity" while the county has frequently disputed the wording and legality of the agreement, but has continued to house city prisoners at no cost.

Corsicana Mayor Chuck McClanahan said he was pleased with the county's decision to keep city EMS crews responding to county calls as well.

"I'm glad to see their decision, and I look forward to continue to provide the same high-quality of service to the county that they have received in the past," McClanahan said. He added that the city would be working to fill six vacancies in the fire department left open while contract talks with the county continued.

COMMISSIONERS MEETING BRIEFS

Consent Agenda approved

Commissioners approved minutes of previous meetings, payment of bills, Planning and Zoning minutes and action, and the certification of education hours completed by County Tax Assessor/Collector Russell Hudson.

No action on burn ban

Commissioners took no action on a burn ban for the county.

Tax Report, Treasurer's Report heard

Tax Assessor/Collector Russell Hudson presented the tax collection report, and Treasurer Ryan Douglas presented the treasurer's report.

Bonds approved

Commissioners approved the payment of bonds for elected and appointed officials for the new fiscal year.

Medical bill paid

Commissioners approved paying a medical bill from a fleet accident involving a member of the Sheriff's Office in May 2013.

Board members approved

Commissioners approved the re-appointment of members of the Navarro County Historical Commission. Named to the commission were Dr. Jayne McReynolds, Margaret Thomas, Les Cotten, Mary Brown, Bobbie Young, Eddie Pevehouse, Faith Holt and Bruce McManus.

Auditor's Report presented

County Auditor Kathy Hollomon presented the court with the October and November 2014 auditor's report.

HIDTA grant OK'd

Commissioners approved a grant application and agreement for the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Navarro County is the pass-through agency for this federal program. The county earns a 2.5 percent administration fee for the program.

Change orders approved

Changes in the scope of work by Phoenix 1, the contractor for the courthouse restoration, were approved at the recommendation of the project manager, Cody Muldner. Work approved included studies on column support; additional window repairs; skylight repairs; and plaster repairs. The changes approved total $181,000.

Closed session delayed

Commissioners recessed a scheduled Executive Session to discuss personnel until 3 p.m. Tuesday.

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Bob Belcher may be reached by email at bbelcher@corsicanadailysun.com

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