Staff Writer

Upson Regional Medical Center landed its first ambulance service contract for the year when Upson County Commissioners voted to approve the $414,250 contract.

During a called meeting Thursday, Jan. 19, Commissioners met with URMC CEO Gene Wright and Interim Ambulance Service Director Richard Lee to address concerns commissioners had about the budget increase.

URMC proposed a $434,254 contract at the beginning of negotiations. Upson County paid $387,000 in 2005.

According to Wright, the final amount was decreased by $20,000 after adjusting shifts, wages and benefits.

URMC lost contracts with both Pike and Lamar Counties, after having the high bid in both instances.

“If you look at what the hospital does year to year, the usual one percent budget increase is justified,” Wright said. “This year gas, tire and insurance prices have all risen at a greater rate than one percent.”

According to Lee, Upson County would have four full-time ambulances, two reserves and one rescue truck.

URMC will sell the two ambulances used for Pike and Lamar Counties.

“We have provided Upson County the best protection and service we could for 20 years,” Lee said. “Our care is supreme and we try to keep it that way. I don't think the County will find this kind of service anywhere else.”

URMC provides ambulances at sporting events, festivals and rescue situations and provides training.

“I don't think we will get the same level of service anywhere else,” Commissioner Frank Spraggins said. “URMC employees are also our taxpayers, and that should be considered.”

According to Lee, 70 percent of URMC ambulance employees live in Upson County.

Lamar County received an average of 200 calls per month, compared to Upson County's 600 calls per month, according to Lee.

Spraggins said Upson County was getting a deal by getting more ambulance service and care for about the same price.

Lamar County accepted a contract for about $325,000 for just two full time ambulances.

Commissioner Joel Pitts voiced his concerns over “no pay” service calls.

A no pay trip is when URMC responds to the call but does not transport a patient to the hospital.

“If you receive an average of 600 calls per month, how many of them are paying for that service and what can we do to stop the ones that don't?” Pitts asked.

Lee said they are working on how to decrease the number of no pay calls.

“I think as a commission we always try to support our local contractors and should do so again,” Commissioner Steve Hudson said. Commissioner Sandra Trice echoed Hudson's support.

Spraggins said he has received a number of calls about the ambulance service.

“I've been getting phone calls telling me to keep the service,” he said. “I don't want to take a chance on another service.

“I know we are in a budget crunch, but there are other areas that we can cut. We shouldn't be cutting areas where people's lives are on the line.”

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve URMC as the ambulance provider.

Wright said employees were happy to hear the news.

“We have all been in a maybe yes, maybe no situation,” he said. “Everyone has been a little anxious waiting for a decision.

“I think this decision gives credit to the people who have been providing this service all these years. All the credit goes to the people who continue to provide excellent service and care. I am proud and happy for them. They are all elated and thankful to the Commissioners.”