Commissioners keep, expand Taylor County EMS contract
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The Taylor County Commissioners Court voted to keep Taylor County EMS as the extended provider for ambulance services in the county.
Community members and businesses voiced support for Taylor County EMS’s continued care over the county’s emergency medical needs since a contracts with larger companies were considered last month.
Taylor County commissioners hold public hearing ahead of EMS selection
Many voiced their concerns regarding a possible change over to AMR Metro Care, the ambulance service provider of the City of Abilene within city limits, and testified to positive experiences with Taylor County EMS.
When the vote was finally cast, supporting the continuance of Taylor County EMS’s service, applause erupted in the Taylor County Commissioner’s Court. Not only was Taylor County EMS granted the disputed contract, but the contract was expanded upon to include an additional full-time ambulance to support the community.
“I was confident we could get two full-time and one part-time today, but I’m so glad that the will of the court was just to do three full-time ambulances, because that’s where the county was needing to head within the next five to seven years,” Taylor County Judge Phil Crowley said.
David Allman, Executive Director for Taylor County EMS, expressed his appreciation for the backing from the public that he had seen.
“The community support that has shown up behind us, that took the time to email their commissioners and the judge, and to show up here today to voice their support, it takes a lot to stand up in front of a large group of people and voice support or opposition of, and we’re just really honored by the community,” shared Allman.
Allman called Tuesday’s the commissioner’s court decision a ‘privilege.’
The second frontrunner for this decision was AMR Metro Care, which has corporate ties and history with services in other counties, causing concerns among many about AMR Metro’s commitment to service. Regional Director of Operations Will Hendon had spoken previously at the Commissioners Court regarding the nature of the change and how those employed with Metro Care in the Abilene area are “Good folk taking care of good folk,” and that many of those employees are themselves long time members of the Abilene community.
“We’re just grateful for being a part of the process, and getting the opportunity to enter a competitive bid process in Taylor County,” Hendon said, reflecting on the final decision.
Regardless of the decision made by the Commissioners Court, Hendon went on to say that it will not change the service’s resolve when it comes to providing care to the residents of the City of Abilene, “We’ve been proudly serving this community since 2004 and will continue to do so.”
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