FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. — Floyd County is facing a quickly approaching deadline; their current county wide ems contract with New Chapel EMS is set to expire May 31.
So far, commissioners have considered options from AmeriPro Health and New Chapel EMS along with a hybrid ambulance service through local fire departments.
"Timing is of essence and so that's what we're facing unfortunately; how we structure things as far as fire departments and what they do but ultimately it's a service we give to the community," Floyd County Sheriff Steve Bush said.
Floyd County commissioners have only received offers from AmeriPro Health and New Chapel EMS. New Chapel has been at the center of a recent controversy because it was once led by former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, who is under investigation.
Al Knable, Floyd County commissioner of District 1, said, "I'd like to see an organizational chart, I'd like to see what geographic area those vehicles and crews are going to be responsible for."
Since there was no data or costs provided to compare to the current New Chapel EMS contract, it was hard for the commissioners to make a recommendation.
"I ask that the EMS advisory board hold off on making any recommendations until all options are vetted," Brad Striegel, Floyd County Council member at large, said.
Response times were one of the biggest concerns for most people at the meeting.
Shawn Bostock said he lost a loved one who was being transported by New Chapel EMS in 2016.
"I would ask that you all send word up to not recommend New Chapel," he said.
Bostock is pleased the commissioners decided not to make a recommendation during the meeting.
"Let them look at all the other alternatives versus a private EMS system, look at the hybrid, partial, private partial fire based," he said.
Matt Owen, the president and CEO of New Chapel EMS, said he just wants to see sustainability in service.
"If another service provider is better suited to take that on, we're all for it," Owen said.
Floyd County commissioners agreed to follow up on this contract proposal at their next meeting on March 21 at 5 p.m.
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