Rescue 69 representatives invited to next meeting
EMS director asks for 'cease and desist' order
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Scott Melling, Ripley County's EMS Director, reported to the Ripley County Commissioners that he heard on good authority from several sources a rumor that Rescue 69 is going into the paramedic business on July 1 in Jennings County.

He feels the county should place a "cease and desist" order on Rescue 69 until they find out whether or not Rescue 69 is using Ripley County money to fund a project in another county.

Melling reported Rescue 69 is not turning in their run sheets and he "suspects it's intentional." He said the county currently provides $90,000 a year to Rescue 69. That is 55% of what the entire county receives. Melling said he had another unit ready to take the place of Rescue 69 if they don't want to cooperate.

Commissioner's attorney Neil Comer said, "We are only hearing one side of the story and need to hear from Rescue 69." Their representatives will be asked to come to the next Ripley County Commissioners meeting. It was mentioned that they have been asked to come before but never showed up. Auditor Mary Ann McCoy was asked to write a letter to Rescue 69 letting them know the importance of coming to the meeting to be heard.

Commission President Robert Reiners voiced his disappointment that there seemed to be this tension between parties and hoped all could be worked out.

Melling said he is planning to attend the Ripley County Council
meeting on June 14 and give a power point presentation on the billing and reimbursement issues and his plan for a flat fee charge for the paramedic units. He said the paramedics are averaging five calls a day and each call takes approximately two hours.

The next meeting of the Ripley County Commissioners will be on June 20, at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners Room in the Ripley County Courthouse Annex.