After more than a month of discussions, bids, and evaluations the Osage County Board of County Commissioners signed a one year contract with Samaritan EMS to provide the Barnsdall/Avant region with emergency medical service.
District #2 Commissioner Scott Hilton along with Commissioners Bob Jackson and Darren McKinney have made providing the service a priority, but, due to budget constraints, they were unable to take action until the beginning of the new fiscal year, which started July 1. With the approval and the signing of the one year contract, Samaritan EMS will be able to begin covering the region as soon as their license is approved. The process can take up to 3-4 weeks. The commissioners signed the contract to fund the EMS service for $18,000 per month, however the County will be receiving funds from Barnsdall, Avant, and Verdigris Valley Electric residents and customers. Samaritan EMS CEO Charles Vetters signed the contract Tuesday morning and said they are ready to get started. The Osage County Board of County Commissioners will meet again next Monday at the Osage County Courthouse in Pawhuska. |
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