Brown County commissioners approved a contract between Brown County and Health Care Visions for analysis and writing of a request for proposal for ambulance services, in a first step to determine the best possible ambulance services for the county.

According to Commissioner Joel Kelton, the contract is contingent upon cities of Brownwood, Early and Bangs approving payment of their portion of this contact as proportionate to the current subsidy agreement for ambulance services.  Health Care Visions President Steve Athey explained that the company is a consulting firm which is based in Texas and that the specialized consulting would produce results to find the best EMS service for Brown County.

“I can assure you that you will get a fair process and that you will find the best ambulance provider that you can get with the resources you have in this county,” explained Athey.  “My job is to mitigate your risks and find the right provider and then make an agreement with you in the timeline expected.”

The cost of the contract is $20,000 plus expenses not to exceed $5000, for a total expense not to exceed $25,000, according to Commissioner Joel Kelton of Pct. 2 and Athey.

Brown County is currently serviced by Allegiance Ambulance Service, based out of Georgetown and dispatched out of Columbus, Texas.   The current contract has an expiration date of December 31, 2015.  Bangs City council will consider the consulting contract at a meeting Monday night.  Cities of Brownwood and Early will consider the matter at their council meetings on Tuesday.

*Commissioners took no action regarding a burn ban.

*Brown County Jail Administrator Becky Caffey received approval to purchase a replacement shredder to be used at the jail.

*Commissioner Joel Kelton, Pct.2 received approval for installation of a private line on County Road 478 by Windstream for a phone line in the right of way, utilizing a road bore.

*Commissioners granted approval to establish a procedure between Brown County and the Tex Assessor Collector regarding collection of inspection fees for county vehicles.

*Commissioners approved Emergency Management Coordinator Michail Cox’s request for additional telephone ports for the Emergency Operations Center.

*Commissioners approved a request by Elections Administrator Suzy Young for surplus of election stand up voting booths.