Resignation eases personnel tensions at ambulance service

Bill Luko, co-owner of Jefferson County Area Ambulance, told the Jefferson County Ambulance Service Agency Wednesday things at the company are ?looking up? following the resignation of co-owner Ray Rex from daily operations.

Rex agreed to step down from his day-to-day duties in July amid complaints from crew members. Characterizing daily interactions with Rex as ?demoralizing,? employees told the ambulance board on July 2 dealing with the problems had become ?too much to bear.? Several employees indicated they had other job offers on the table; it was only after Rex agreed to step down workers agreed to remain on the job.

Following the meeting, Luko and Rex submitted a letter of intent to the ambulance board indicating that due to an inability to meet contractual obligations, they will be terminating their contract with the county effective Sept. 30.

In a progress report to the board Wednesday, Luko said overall, morale is ?way improved? since Rex?s departure. Ambulance service employees in attendance concurred, indicating recent changes have improved working conditions ?significantly? in Rex?s absence.

At the July meeting, Luko told the board he did not have enough employees to adequately fill the schedule. He noted many gaps on the schedule and said he had no confidence in his continued ability to field a crew going forward. Wednesday, Luko reported that following Rex?s announcement he was stepping down, workers came in and ?filled every spot on the calendar.?

?We no longer have any gaps on the schedule, and we have schedules done through October 6,? he said.

While the company is still struggling with reimbursements and a spike in insurance rates, Luko said they are ?plugging along.?

?We find stuff everyday that isn?t as we thought it was, but we?re adjusting,? Luko said.

Should the process to locate a new ambulance service provider take longer than 90 days, Luko said he is prepared to extend the contract beyond Sept. 30 and continue to provide services until bids can be reviewed and a new service secured.

?You will not go without service,? Luko assured the board. ?The people on this crew care about this community; they want to be here.?

Board member Tom Kunkle praised Luko and his employees for the job they do.

?I think its an outstanding service; everything I have heard has been top notch,? Kunkle said. ?[Your services] are performed at a time when people are most vulnerable. People appreciate what you do.?

?Having confidence in the service has meant a great deal to the community,? board member Martha Rasmussen added.

When asked if Jefferson County Ambulance Service would re-bid for the contract or if he would submit a bid independently, Luko had no comment.