Budget amendment request put on hold
Marion County Emergency Medical Services Director Darryl Thiesen asked Marion County Commission Monday to consider a budget amendment for the 2005 budget.
The commission instructed Thiesen to contact the county's auditors, which he said he had done, and county clerk Carol Maggard to determine if funds are available.
Maggard commented the county had not previously amended the budget in this manner.
EMS office manager Woody Crawshaw reported there was a "windfall" of revenue due to collections of ambulance runs and services.
Commissioner Randy Dallke told Thiesen some department expenses were covered by the county's general fund when collections were not being made by the department.
"We may have 'robbed Peter to pay Paul'," said Dallke, and there may need to be some considerations.
Crawshaw said there will be at least a $130,000 carryover and some funds will remain in the budget at the end of the year.
If the budget is amended, funds would be available to purchase a much-needed ambulance for Marion and two-way Motorola radios for those volunteers who still use antiquated equipment.
Thiesen said funds for a new ambulance were approved but were removed from his budget by the commission.
Gene Winkler, a Marion EMS volunteer, reported the Marion ambulance has a cracked engine block and leaks anti-freeze. The 1995 unit has 80,000 miles.
"Marion does the most transfers," said Thiesen, and Marion provides nearly 37 percent of all transfers. He added it would be more cost effective to replace the unit than to repair it and have it as a lead unit.
When asked the cost for engine replacement, Thiesen said he wasn't sure.
Commissioner Dan Holub asked why the commission was not made aware of the problem before now. Thiesen responded it was a problem since he has been with the department.
Holub asked if the Marion ambulance could be swapped with a newer ambulance like the new one at Florence. Thiesen said crews had input as to how ambulances would be equipped and it would not be good for morale if that was done.
Commission chairman Bob Hein said he would like to know repair costs and a warranty for a new motor. Thiesen responded he didn't see the benefit of putting a "Band-Aid" on it and that it needed to be replaced.
Replacement rotation of emergency units is important, said Thiesen. "Right now there is one unit that needs to be replaced. If the county waits, there will be two or three units."
In other department business:
— The commission approved the EMS department paying the tuition for a Peabody EMS volunteer to participate in the Leadership Marion County program.
Dallke and Holub said they wanted limitations of the number of county employees allowed to take the class each year.
— There were 82 runs in October — Marion had 24, Hillsboro 23, Peabody 14, Florence 11, Tampa eight, and Marion back-up responded twice.
Goessel first responders had five runs and Lincolnville had one. There were no rescue responses.
It was less than the 92 responses given in September.
— A grant had been received by the department to purchase two AED (Automated External Defibrillator) units. They will be placed in schools in Marion and Goessel.
Thiesen said he is working with Centre USD 397 to secure funds for a unit in that school district.
— Thiesen also reported Florence had received its new ambulance, he taught a free CPR class Saturday for county residents, attended quarterly training for quality improvement, a training seminar for dealing with employees, the annual meeting of Marion County Senior Citizens, Inc., spoke at Marion Chamber of Commerce and AGAPE Senior Center at Goessel, participated in a weapons of mass destruction exercise, and attended a director's meeting regarding changes in continuing education for EMS volunteers.
— Dallke requested and received a five-minute executive session with Thiesen to discuss personnel.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
