Fulton County officials agree to Lutherans extended termination date that will provide EMS services until June 30

Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 1:03 AM

fulton-county-officials-agree-to-lutherans-extended-termination-date-that-will-provide-ems-services-until-june-30

The Fulton County Commissioners and Fulton County Council met in joint session Wednesday at the Fulton County Annex building to discuss the next step for future ambulance services in the county.

Lutheran EMS had recently withdrawn their proposal to provide services to the county after nearly a decade in Rochester, Kewanna and Akron. In the years leading up to the pull out, Lutheran had also cut a third ambulance for Fulton County based in Akron. A third ambulance to cover all parts of the county is something county officials said they want to see back as they choose a new provider.

Fulton County officials did agree to the extended termination date of March 1 to June 30 given by Lutheran. Lutheran will provide service in Fulton County up to that time unless another EMS provider is secured.

County officials discussed raising taxes to cover the cost of hiring the other provider, Heartland, who agreed to do monthly payments with the county. In the meantime, a contract negotiation with Heartland is in the process of being worked out.

Although the county has enough funding to get started with a contract with Heartland, Fulton County Council President Ron Dittman said the cost would eventually stretch the bank of Fulton County, and leave no extra money for anything else but EMS.

A 2% tax increase is something officials say they don't want to do, but unfortunately have to to keep the county running smoothly. Dittman stated that for a household income of around $50,000 annually, it will cost taxpayers around $100 per year.

Play Audio

EMA and 911 Communications Director Gail Karas agreed that the tax increase is something that is necessary for Fulton County.

Play Audio

Karas said another heartbreak of the situation is all of the local staff who currently work for Lutheran.

Play Audio

Heartland has already stated that prior to taking over EMS in Fulton County, they could potentially have a job fair to hire local Lutheran employees.

More from Local News

Jail Bookings – Nov. 21, 2024

The following person was recently booked at the Fulton County Jail:
Ku Klux Klan flyers scattered across Indiana communities

Trinity White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan members have publicly claimed responsibility for flyers being distributed across the state of Indiana, including Rochester. The flyers were in support of a mass deportation that would allegedly be taking place Jan. 20, 2025, stating immigrants are to “leave now” to “avoid deportation,” and encouraged locals to monitor and report foreigners.
Logansport man shot in foot in hunting accident
Culver town water is safe, lead content below state safety standards
Jail Bookings – Nov. 20, 2024

The following people were recently booked at the Fulton County Jail:
Low-interest loans available for Fulton County small businesses

'Don't miss out on this great opportunity to grow your business'
Family sponsors sought for Miracle Tree program

The Rochester tree is located at Shepherd’s Chevrolet, and Tippecanoe Valley trees are set up at Bell Memorial Public Library in Mentone and Akron Carnegie Public Library in Akron.
Pedestrian struck, killed in Peru

Beverly Bowen, 80, of Peru, was pronounced dead Monday after being struck by a vehicle driven by James Sturgill, 53, of Wabash.