Posted on September 24, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Council members heard a proposal for a primary transfer unit to work out of Starke Hospital in Knox.
EMS Director Travis Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie previously provided information to the commissioners about retiring an ambulance once the new ambulance arrives and use the retired unit as the transfer vehicle. The commissioners supported the idea. A memorandum of understanding has been discussed between the county and Starke Hospital to make this the primary transfer unit. The document has not been signed, but County Attorney Marty Lucas has provided an agreement to hospital officials.
Ritchie said having the transfer unit would create over $200,000 next year in net revenue. With the council’s approval of three full-time paramedics and three full-time EMTs, staffing costs would work to be within the gross revenue.
In order to get this transfer unit started with supplies and payroll, Clary and Ritchie asked for $198,348.06. A new line item would be provided in the EMS budget for this transfer unit.
There was some question of when the transfer agreement would start. Commissioner Kathy Norem stated that it is the assumption that once the paperwork is approved and signed a primary transfer unit will be immediately be in service. The members of county government are unsure if there will be a spare ambulance available before the new rig is in the county’s possession in February or March in 2019. The two spare rigs currently available are often in service as other ambulances are undergoing maintenance.
The county council agreed to table the request until more information can be gathered by the commissioners.
Showing posts with label Emergency Medical Services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emergency Medical Services. Show all posts
Monday, September 24, 2018
Friday, May 18, 2018
Starke County EMA and EMS Directors Attend Briefing over FEMA Public Assistance
Posted on May 18, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director J. Nier and EMS Director Travis Clary attended a briefing with FEMA representatives on Thursday in order to learn more about the public financial assistance that is available to the county to help with flood relief.
EMA Director Nier explained that in order to be eligible for public assistance, the county had to reach about $85,000 spent dealing with flood recovery. Nier said that number was not only reached, but it was surpassed, with close to $2 million spent during the immediate response.
The public assistance provided deals specifically with infrastructure concerns and the federal funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis. The funding is offered to county departments including the Surveyor’s Office, the Highway Department, Debris Management, EMS, various fire departments and multiple other agencies who were involved in the flood response.
The county’s department heads will utilize a reporting portal through FEMA where they will upload their invoices directly. Director Nier said that during this process, it is imperative that department heads take detailed records of everything that a repair entails including equipment, materials, man hours and anything else that has a cost associated with it.
A FEMA representative will be in the county, working with department heads to show them how to utilize the portal.
Nier noted that once the representative is no longer working with the departments on an individual basis, individuals will still be able to reach them over the phone if any questions or concerns arise.
Additionally, Director Nier shared that she has submitted documentation to help bring individual assistance into the county as well.
She said FEMA experienced some technical difficulties with their reporting app that led to damage in multiple counties going unrecorded even though it was submitted. Nier said fortunately she had pictures and physical copies of her reports that she has since turned in for consideration.
An appeal will be submitted to FEMA, asking officials to reconsider providing individual assistance to those areas. While public assistance focuses on infrastructure, individual assistance would help impacted residents on a more personal basis.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director J. Nier and EMS Director Travis Clary attended a briefing with FEMA representatives on Thursday in order to learn more about the public financial assistance that is available to the county to help with flood relief.
EMA Director Nier explained that in order to be eligible for public assistance, the county had to reach about $85,000 spent dealing with flood recovery. Nier said that number was not only reached, but it was surpassed, with close to $2 million spent during the immediate response.
The public assistance provided deals specifically with infrastructure concerns and the federal funds will be provided on a reimbursement basis. The funding is offered to county departments including the Surveyor’s Office, the Highway Department, Debris Management, EMS, various fire departments and multiple other agencies who were involved in the flood response.
The county’s department heads will utilize a reporting portal through FEMA where they will upload their invoices directly. Director Nier said that during this process, it is imperative that department heads take detailed records of everything that a repair entails including equipment, materials, man hours and anything else that has a cost associated with it.
A FEMA representative will be in the county, working with department heads to show them how to utilize the portal.
Nier noted that once the representative is no longer working with the departments on an individual basis, individuals will still be able to reach them over the phone if any questions or concerns arise.
Additionally, Director Nier shared that she has submitted documentation to help bring individual assistance into the county as well.
She said FEMA experienced some technical difficulties with their reporting app that led to damage in multiple counties going unrecorded even though it was submitted. Nier said fortunately she had pictures and physical copies of her reports that she has since turned in for consideration.
An appeal will be submitted to FEMA, asking officials to reconsider providing individual assistance to those areas. While public assistance focuses on infrastructure, individual assistance would help impacted residents on a more personal basis.
Monday, June 13, 2016
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