Iola’s EMS chief asked county commissioners to reconsider its plan for buying a new ambulance.
Commissioners last week agreed to join a waiting list for an available Ford Transit that could be used as an ambulance transfer unit. The vehicle is smaller than a regular ambulance, but it could be available more quickly and at a lower price.
Terry Call, the county’s former EMS director who retired but returned to help the county with zoning and other issues, said it could take years before a full-sized ambulance becomes available because of supply shortages.
Iola’s EMS director, Michael Burnett, met with commissioners this week to share his thoughts about the county’s plan. An ambulance contract between the city and county says it’s the county’s responsibility to provide ambulances and related equipment.
Burnett said he is concerned the Transit would not be a good fit. Burnett said his research found the vehicles have gasoline engines and have an average lifespan of about 150,000 miles. A transfer unit can reach that point in a year, Burnett said.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels said he preferred a diesel engine.
But a new ambulance could cost nearly $350,000 and delivery could be two or three years out.
Burnett offered another option: Instead of buying a new ambulance, they could send an older unit to a manufacturer to be refurbished. The price tag would be closer to $200,000 and the units would work just as well as a new unit, Burnett said.
Even that process could take up to two years, Burnett said. He asked commissioners if they were willing to be put on a waiting list. When the company is ready, they’ll send an older unit. The remounting process could take about three months.
Commissioners liked Burnett’s solution and told him to join the waiting list. If something changes, they can always remove their name from the list.
Housing conference
Patty Sanborn with SEK Inc. alerted commissioners to a housing conference planned in November.
SEK Inc. was formed in 1957 by a group of businessmen in several counties who wanted to bring industry to the region. It represents 12 counties.
“Now, industry is not the problem,” Sanborn said. “It’s workforce development, housing and child care.”
The group started a housing coalition to address the matter at the state level. They also found city and county leaders often do not have the time it takes to thoroughly research and pursue housing development.
