Task force recommends Emergency Services District
Milam County Commissioners heard the results from a months long study on the county’s medical services during a meeting on Monday.
Commissioners heard from the head of the Milam County Medical Task Force Collier Perry with the recommendation of proposing the county create an emergency services district to offset the cost of ambulance subsidies in the county.
Perry said creating a taxing entity in the county would allow for a better distribution of funding across the county.
Currently there are three 24/7 AMR ambulances operated in the county, which are stationed in Milano, Rockdale and Cameron. The ambulances are subsidized by an annual $350,000 contribution, including $150,000 from the county, $100,000 by the city of Rockdale and $100,000 by the city of Cameron.
The new emergency services district could levy a tax of up to 10 cents per $100 valuation.
The issue would have to be placed on the November 2022 ballot and the final decision made by the voters of the county. The first step is for a petition to be brought forward to commissioners seeking a ballot item.
The task force determined that it is not feasible for the county to pursue after hours or urgent care at the current moment because it is not economically feasible with the counties population.
They also determined that it is not feasible to pursue the use of the existing Rockdale Hospital or medical clinic due to the cost of renovations. He also said that rural hospitals are just not profitable.
The Task Force was composed of eight members including Collier Perry, Rockdale businessman; Nathan Fuchs, Cameron Chamber of Commerce; Kain Dodd, Fire Chief Milano; Royal Johnson, Pastor Rising Star Baptist Church; Troy Zinn, former hospital administrator; Courtney Paulson, Nurse Practitioner, Country Meadows; John Egger. President EBCO; and Robert Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of Milam County Medical Department.
Commissioners also approved the annual subsidy to PHI for air ambulance services was adopted in the amount of nearly $56,000. The renewal of that agreement means any Milam County resident could be airlifted at no cost.
Commissioners also: heard updates on grant funds for the Loop 203 bridge project in the amount of $350,000; approved an escrow agreement with Classic Bank for flood plain mapping; approved budget line adjustments; and approved a replat request for Country Club Estates in Rockdale.