Summary
After talks with the low bidder collapsed, the county is granting FirstHealth the exclusive ambulance franchise. The contract costs about $1.77 million more than the current one and drives 1.7 cents of the tax increase.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 1, 2026.
Impact analysis
About $1.77 million more per year than the current EMS contract, accounting for 1.7 cents of the proposed tax increase.
County residents relying on ambulance service get continuity after July 1.
Taxpayers absorb the higher contract cost; the low bidder's supporters argue the process was flawed.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Board of Commissioners - Jun 1, 2026
The county locked in FirstHealth as its ambulance provider for five years starting June 30, at roughly $2.87 million a year — a $1.77 million jump. The deal drove 1.73 cents of the proposed tax increase and drew public criticism over cost and service quality.
Board of Commissioners - May 18, 2026
After talks with the low bidder collapsed, the county is granting FirstHealth the exclusive ambulance franchise. The contract costs about $1.77 million more than the current one and drives 1.7 cents of the tax increase.
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