Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Making a decision of necessary services is easier when there is only one provider.
That is where the Cheyenne County commissioners are as they view the future of ambulance services.
The commissioners were recently prepared to renew the contract with Regional West when a representative of MARC (Medical Air Rescue Company) of Rapid City, S.D., recently unveiled flight transport for the Sidney and Panhandle area. At a recent Cheyenne County Commissioners meeting, a representative of the company’s ground ambulance service also was present, saying MARC offers ground service and would like to be considered when the county makes its decision.
Monday the commissioners discussed how to decide between Region West and MARC’s ground service. County Attorney Paul Schaub first said the options are to negotiate with the two companies for the best cost for services provided, or to announce the county is seeking RFPs (Requests For Proposals) from which the county can decide on a vendor.
Commissioner Randal Miller said the best move is to have a joint meeting with the Sidney City Council since the City is in an agreement with the commissioners for ambulance service.
“The biggest problem I have is we’re not the only part of the contract,” Miller said. “As I read the statute, we are not required to provide an ambulance service. With that said, I am not advocating for having our own.”
The commissioners also approved the Cheyenne County Local Emergency Operations Plan. Region 21 Emergency Manager Ron Leal said Monday the plan is a requirement every five years. Very little has changed in the focus of Cheyenne County’s plan, he said. He added hazardous materials transportation is the county’s biggest concern.
“Haz-mat is a big thing for Cheyenne County,” he said.
The commissioners also approved approved selling two county lots in Gurley for $3,000, the recently-determined fair market value, and proceed with the sale. The combined assessed value of the two lots is $3,114, according to Schaub.
The commissioners also turned down a request of funding for Old Settlers Day, saying they didn’t have it in the budget. Requests of this nature are typically submitted to the Visitors Committee, according to commissioner Philip Sanders. They also reviewed and denied a Request for General Assistance. After the meeting, Schaub said the county has an obligation to provide assistance to people defined as indigent. However, the county has specific guidelines an applicant must meet to receive assistance. Monday’s applicant admitted the need is not yet urgent, and he has not applied for unemployment.
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