Starke EMS Seeking New Ambulance; Matter Goes to Council

The Starke County Commissioners this week gave the EMS department permission to request a new ambulance from the council. EMS Director Paul Mathewson approached the commissioners along with Mary Lynn Ritchie of the department. Mathewson explained that he would like to increase the number of shift captains as of the first of the year, and he has been working with Council President Dave Pearman on the next steps to get a new ambulance.

Mathewson requested permission from the commissioners to proceed with getting the specs together and three quotes for the new ambulance. The commissioners approved his request unanimously.

Ritchie also told the commissioners that she has been working with Auditor Kay Chaffins to get the Medicare cost report finished before the end of the year. She said this report shows how much it costs to run the hospital, rates for Medicaid and Medicare, and allows them to get a portion of the difference back.