County advises against Rescue 69 project
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

"The dollars you are getting from Ripley County might be affected by this project." That was the caution given to Jason Smith of Rescue 69 by president of the Ripley County Commissioners, Bob Reiners.

The Commissioners has asked Rescue 69 to appear before them to discuss the rumor they are planning to provide paramedic service for Jennings County. Smith advised Rescue 69 is "seeking to enter into a partnership with Jennings County, but no contract has been signed."

Smith explained that Rescue 69 has three ambulances. Only one is
planned to be in Jennings County, leaving two for Ripley County. If one of the ambulances is out of service, the other two will stay in Ripley County, leaving Jennings County without an ambulance.

All three Commissioners and County Attorney Neil Comer voiced concern about taking an ambulance that has been paid for with Ripley County money and donations from Ripley County citizens and using it in Jennings County.

Commissioner Lawrence Nickell was concerned about finding enough help locally. "Manpower is tight now," said Nickell. The project in Jennings County would require a paramedic and EMT available 24/7. When asked, Smith said, "We have three paramedics now, but one is not interested in working outside Ripley County. We will have to add staff."

Smith said Rescue 69 was $34,000 in the red in 2004 and expects to be again this year. They receive approximately $98,000 a year as contract fees from Ripley County. This is 55% of the $178,000 allotted to the four rescue units.

Smith said that Rescue 69 will keep two sets of books and keep all the costs separated. County EMS Director Scott Melling said, "If they can keep everything separated, more power to them, but I have a problem with them using our money to fund a project in another county."

After about an hours discussion, the message was clear. If Rescue 69 starts a partnership with Jennings County for a paramedic service, Ripley County will evaluate the amount of money they are giving them for their services.