At a meeting of the Choctaw County Board of Supervisors on Monday, October 15, David Eldridge, Director of Operations for MedStat EMS, Inc. discussed a material change which necessitates a change in the manner in which Choctaw County is currently serviced, the material change being a decline in the total transport volume within the County. Eldridge reiterated, as he has explained in prior meetings, that MedStat is losing a significant amount of money and can no longer operate at the current level.
MedStat’s contract does allow for renegotiation or termination. Eldridge again stated that MedStat would like to continue to service Choctaw County but cannot possibly do so under present circumstances. One option that was available was to have MedStat continue at a reduced level of service; however this option was defeated by a 2-3 vote with Supervisors Joey Stephenson, Chris McIntire and John Shumaker voting against the measure.
Eldridge forwarded a letter of 60-day notice to Chancery Clerk Steve Montgomery on the day of the Board meeting stating that MedStat will continue service to the County until December 31, 2018 and will give a 30-day extension, until January 31, 2019, if requested.
A motion was made by Stephenson to send out request for proposals for Ambulance Service upon receipt of the letter from MedStat Ambulance exercising the 60 day out on the current contract. The motion was seconded by Shumaker and the board voted by majority in support with Supervisors Fondren and Chambers voting against.
Drug Court Coordinator Michael Ming requested that the Board transfer $20K in funds from the Drug Court Fund back into the general fund as repayment of a loan from the County to the Drug Court in January 2016. The Board voted unanimously for the order.
In other action, the Board:
Voted 4-1 to reappoint Ron Bennett to the Economic Enterprise Board, with Chambers voting against.
Voted 5-0 to approve a three-percent cost-of-living pay increase to Choctaw County employees.
Voted 5-0 to approve travel and expenses for election commissioners to attend ECAM training and to pay $1,720 to ECAM for registration.
Voted 5-0 to approve travel and expenses for the Chancery Clerk to attend a legal issues workshop on November 13-14.
The Choctaw County Board of Supervisors meets on the first and third Monday of each month, at 9 a.m.
