Texas District Commissioners Support Handing EMS to Hospital
Aug. 26--EDNA -- The Edna Fire Department is not going anywhere and will provide the same service to the city on a tighter budget in 2016.
Jackson County Emergency Services District No. 3 commissioners agreed Tuesday the local hospital should absorb Edna's emergency medical services, while the commission focuses on keeping a paid fire department.
Two of the district's five-member commission plan to work out the idea with the Jackson County Hospital District first. And at the same time, they will work with the Edna Fire Department to adjust its budget for the next fiscal year.
The significant moves come after Edna City Council voted Thursday to drop its financial responsibility for the city's fire department and emergency medical services on the district. The city and district currently share the responsibility of funding the approximately $1.1 million bill to fund a paid fire department and emergency medical services in the area. That relationship is expected to end at the end of 2015 as an effort by the city to save money.
Kurt Janica, Edna's assistant fire chief, said he was uncertain about most changes to his department.
"Staffing will be cut," he said. "No doubt."
District Commissioner DJ Bell said handing over Edna's emergency medical services to the hospital is the best option.
"You're stuck in a spot where you don't have a choice," he said.
Annually, the city contributes between $300,000 and $350,000, and the district contributes about $460,000 from taxes, while the city's emergency medical services generates about $250,000. Overall, the district generates more than $600,000 from taxes, not enough for the district to handle the costs alone, especially if the revenue from emergency medical services is out of play because it would belong to the hospital.
"I think it's all we got," Commissioner Jason Chandler said about the changes he and colleagues plan to pursue.
District Chairman Jake Srp said he would still pursue a deal with the city that once involved giving $500,000 to the district over four years to help it manage costs. Meanwhile, Edna firefighters continue to focus on work, Janica said.
"They're continuing to do what they do," he said, "serve the community."
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