The Starke County Council discussed a transfer for the EMS department during their meeting Monday.
Emergency Medical Services Director James Garner formally asked the commissioners to approve a transfer of $157,000 from full time paramedic to ambulance equipment. He stated the department currently has two power lift systems, one being located on the transfer rig and the other being with the backup rig. He added he would like to purchase three more power lift systems to fill the remaining ambulances.
A power lift system is what paramedics use while transporting patients to and from the ambulance. Garner said these lift systems cost $25,000 a piece and come with a 72 month service agreement. He went on to say he would like to be able to purchase a CPR device as well as an external battery charger with the available money.
Starke County Auditor Rachel Oesterreich told WKVI News, the EMS Department was budgeted for 11 full time paramedics but have been short staffed with only five. She added this money has already been budgeted for the EMS department and that Garner needed approval from the commissioners to transfer that money to ambulance equipment for him to be able to move forward with the purchases.
A motion was made to approve the transfer request of $157,000 from full time paramedic to ambulance equipment. That motion was seconded and passed unanimously by vote.
