Starke County Commissioners to Revisit Paramedic Program Expansion

starke-county-courthouseThe Starke County Commissioners will revisit the proposed expansion of EMS services when they meet this morning. Director Paul Matthewson is seeking to add a paramedic to the North Judson and possibly the Grovertown base so the county can offer transfers from IU Health Starke Hospital to other facilities. Such transfers are covered by insurance or Medicaid and would generate money for the county. The commissioners want to make sure the expanded service will make money for the county before agreeing to proceed. Matthewson plans to hire part-time paramedics in order to keep costs down.

Sheriff Oscar Cowen is also on the agenda. He’s asking the commissioners for permission to buy two squad cars. The commissioners will also discuss the annual contract with Starke County Community Corrections and an invoice from the county sheriff’s posse regarding the golf cart ordinance and permit process.

Discussion will also resume about public access to Bass Lake in the area of County Road 210 and Maple Street. County attorney Marty Lucas was asked to research the matter in order to determine what can be done to remedy concerns raised by residents. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. CDT in the commissioners meeting room at the Starke County Annex building.