The Kimball County Commissioners voted Tuesday to seek an Ambulance Service Director that will be an employee of the county.

For the past 41 years, Jim O’Brien has held a contract with the county to run the ambulance service. O’Brien’s most recent contract expires at midnight, October 31. According to county officials, O’Brien was operating under a budget of $131,000.

Since the county up to this point has contracted out the ambulance service, Kimball County Clerk Cathleen Sibal explained that it was never in a position to oversee the complete details of expenditures and payroll.

“It’s all about accountability,” Commission Chair David Bashaw said. “Where is the money being spent?”

Commissioner Bashaw further stated that the commissioners have given this issue lots of thought. “We, the board, have researched this throughly and feel that is is in the best interest of Kimball County  to have full accountability for every dollar spent on the ambulance service,” Bashaw said.

However, according to O’Brien, there has never been an issue with accountability. O’Brien said that he coordinates with Kimball County’s auditor who reviews his budget annually.

A feasibility study was conducted by Eide Bailly, LLT. of Sioux Falls, S.D. as to whether or not it would be beneficial for the Kimball Health Services hospital could take over the ambulance service. The results of that study were released in August 2010. The 25-bed facility is Critical Access reimbursed by Medicare on a cost basis.

Based on the result of the Bailly study, the county hospital would receive $50,000 to $53,000 less in Medicare reimbursement if it took over the ambulance service, Hospital CEO Ken Hunter explained. He added that certain certification requirements would have to be met such as requiring advanced life support versus basic life support the service currently provides.

Bashaw stressed that the quality of ambulance service will not be hindered or interrupted by the change. “The quality of service this county has received throughout the years will continue,” Bashaw said.

Meanwhile, the county plans to advertise and accept applications for a new ambulance director though September 23. O’Brien stated that he plans to apply for the position.

A special meeting will be held Tuesday, September 27 at 9 a.m. at the Kimball County Courthouse to review applications and conduct interviews.

“We know that change is never easy, and we hope that this will work for Kimball County,” Bashaw said.