The Pulaski County EMS Department wants more room for its ambulances, but elected officials say a planned addition to its Winamac base may need to be scaled back.
During last week’s joint session of the county council and commissioners, the EMS Department presented plans to add a 48-by-40-foot expansion. That would give them three ambulance bays in Winamac. Under the plan, one of the existing bays will remain, while the other would be converted into storage and another bedroom.
EMS officials say the existing bays barely provide enough room for the county’s current ambulances. If the county buys a new ambulance next year, it will probably be even bigger than the ones the county has now, and the department will need a place to park it.
The EMS Department got four quotes for the work, and they’re leaning toward a $109,000 quote from FBi Buildings. Council President Jay Sullivan and Commissioner Kenny Becker both agreed that price seemed very high for the new bays. Council members asked if the extra sleeping space was necessary.
EMS Director Nikki Lowry explained that snow plow drivers with the county highway department often have to spend the night at the ambulance garage during winter storms. Currently, they’re sleeping on cots. Meanwhile, the new storage space would make it easier to access supplies, according to Lowry.
Becker and Sullivan planned to discuss potential options and make a recommendation to the rest of the council and commissioners.
