With lead and bidding times still well out of control, Trigg County Hospital’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the seeking of another bid for an ambulance Thursday night — in an effort, they said, keeps them “ahead of the curve.”
Referencing a recent thorough investigation by News Channel 5 of Tennessee’s ongoing ambulance crisis, in which mileage has far surpassed safety standards in many counties, TCH CEO John Sumner said he didn’t want Cadiz and the surrounding area to experience such concerns.
According to Sumner, Trigg County’s fleet remains in “great shape,” with two chassis under 50,000 miles, one chassis over 100,000 miles, two chassis over 150,000 miles, and two brand new vehicles waiting to be put in rotation at the state garage.
However, even as 2024 approaches, and the economy continues its robust rebound, Sumner said the wait for bids, orders and deliveries still follows a 18-to-24 month timeline — mainly because of onboard chips and computers.
By then, one of Trigg County’s boxes will be ready for decommission and surplus.
Even if bids are returned, Sumner said the board won’t have to make the expenditure right away, because if they forfeit a bid, another municipality will simply scoop it up for their own inventory.
The demand is simply that high.
A brand new one, Sumner added, would roughly cost at least $200,000, while a box remount would cost around $160,000.
Sumner also noted that a four-wheel drive ambulance is something Trigg County’s ambulance shack has never had, and would cost an extra $6,500 — a prudent move when one thinks about the backwoods of southern Trigg County and Land Between the Lakes.
Board members also unanimously approved the surplus of two ambulances, opting to list them on govdeals.com. Prices widely vary depending on make, model and mileage, but current offers have ambulances priced between $3,000 and $30,000.
And speaking of ambulances; Sumner said he and staff are continuing to work on potential grant applications in order to bring a new — or improved — shack to TCH.
SPURR Architecture, out of Hopkinsville, was selected as lead architect, with Beaver Dam’s Hawkins Abney, PLLC, heavily considered.
Sumner said he, Judge-Executive Stan Humphries and leadership from Congressman James Comer’s office convened Thursday morning to discuss grant options and cost variables.
In other hospital news:
— Kara Allen was introduced as Trigg County Hospital’s new community relations director. As the campus continues to expand, Sumner had previously noted it was time to put someone in charge of public outreach.
Allen brings that capability.
According to a job posting on simplyhired.com, the full-time position should pay between $41,600 and $52,600 annually. It asked for candidates to be qualified in marketing, computer literacy and time management, with a bachelor’s degree and at least three years experience.
Allen will have to work closely with upper management, in order to “strategize different ways to spread awareness about TCH, while also helping the community.” This includes the maintaining of relationships with local business owners and officials, in order to coordinate community programming.
— Sumner also noted that he and TCH officials will be inquiring about Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority grants, which offer 1% restricted funds.
