Supervisors approve county officials to speak with Washington County Ambulance Inc. reps about possible equipment purchases

WASHINGTON - Washington County Supervisors are slowly inching forward with finalizing details for the county run ambulance service after approving contact between representatives of Washington County Ambulance, Inc. regarding equipment purchases.

During the meeting on Monday, March 2, Supervisor Chair Jack Seward said authorization was needed for the county to speak to the representatives of the business.

The goal in the conversation will be to determine what assets if any the county will be able to purchase.

'This is ongoing so we can hopefully have a smooth transition from the current contract with Washington County Ambulance Inc. to the new Washington County Ambulance Department come July 1,” he said.

The motion was read by Supervisor Abe Miller and included authorization to 'negotiate terms agreeable for the acquisition of vehicles, medical equipment and supplies, office equipment and supplies on hand.” The county will be represented by the chairman of the board, the county auditor, Director of Ambulance services and the Washington County Attorney's office as necessary.

Any agreement made between these parties will be brought to the supervisors for further approval. Seward acknowledged the facility was not included in the motion but said it was part of the discussion but a set lease amount for the facility has not been set.

'We're looking for a smooth transition so that's all part of the discussion. We'll see what we can come up with,” he said.