SCH News

STEPHENS CO. HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AGREES TO HELP WITH COST OF ENGINE REBUILD

March 18, 2008

The Stephens County Hospital Authority will team up with county commissioners to purchase an engine rebuild for one of the county's EMS trucks. It all started last week when Stephens County Commissioners discussed purchasing the engine rebuild at their meeting. The rebuild would cost $15,000 in all and Interim Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers says that would put them over their budget in that area.

Ayers says under the contract with the hospital, the county gives $25,000 for maintenance and upkeep of the vehicles. "If you do approve it, it will take this budget and this contract over its amount for the rest of the year and we are in March now, and they have April, May, and June for us to repair and upkeep the vehicle," says Ayers.

Commissioners told ambulance officials they would get what they requested. However, first they wanted to discuss the matter with officials at the hospital. Then, Monday, the Hospital Authority put the issue on the table. Elliot Caudell made the motion to help out, suggesting they could pay at least part of the cost. "I would like to make a motion that we make a proposition to the county commission that we pay up to $7500 or whichever is lower, the cost of a Caterpillar diesel engine, including installation," says Caudell. The Hospital Authority approved the motion unanimously.