Central EMS draft contract is looking for $2.65 million subsidy

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta metropolis commissioners are reviewing a draft contract from Central EMS earlier than Tuesday’s fee assembly.

Information 12 has obtained a replica of the Central EMS’ draft contract from a detailed metropolis supply, and it’s on the lookout for a $2.65 million annual subsidy.

This draft contains eight ambulances, six extra ambulances throughout peak hours, and three quick-response autos.

Central EMS began offering ambulance service in Augusta-Richmond County on Sunday, April 2, after Gold Cross EMS needed to immediately pull their providers.

Central was given a 12-hour discover, beginning their service forward of after they have been anticipated to take over on Saturday, April 22.

As part of factoring in response occasions, ambulance quantities, and Richmond County’s indigent inhabitants that’s unable to pay for emergency service, Central EMS says they should preserve a ten% annual web revenue to have the ability to survive as an organization in Augusta.

Whereas Central’s response occasions are unavailable, the shut metropolis supply says the draft contract mentions this will likely be monitored by county dispatch.

Mayor Garnett Johnson has confirmed that he and the commissioners have copies of the draft contract however says he has not reviewed it but.

On Tuesday, commissioners may have their first likelihood to vote on the contract.

Over the previous 12 months, Augusta commissioners rejected a number of contract bids from Gold Cross EMS, one among their final affords being set at a $1.9 million subsidy.

This course of is what finally led Gold Cross to relinquish the zone to the state, which was then awarded to Central EMS firstly of 2023.

Information 12 reached out to Central EMS who launched the next assertion from President, Gary Coker: “Central EMS believes we’ve got offered a good and sustainable EMS mannequin for the care and security of the residents of Augusta-Richmond County. We’re extremely assured on this course of, in County management, and in our potential to proceed to serve the group with distinctive ambulance providers. We stay up for working with the County as we transfer ahead to finalize the contract.”

It is a creating story and Information 12 will replace this as extra data is available in.

Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.