KIRBYVILLE, Texas— A crowded house at the Kirbyville City Council meeting on Tuesday night demonstrated how vital ambulance service is to Jasper County residents. However, an agreement to secure that service ran into an unanticipated stumbling block just minutes before it was supposed to be concluded.
Jasper County Emergency Services District 3 was set to sign a three-year contract with Allegiance Mobile Health, but the process was halted when a representative from Acadian Ambulance Service spoke up, claiming they were never given the opportunity to bid.
Gary Barlow, ESD 3’s new president, stated following the meeting that the board made a mistake. “That’s the bottom line: I didn’t know, and I clearly didn’t do enough research. “That’s my fault,” Barlow admitted.
“But we will check now and we will move forward with it and get the ambulance service here just as quick as possible because the folks voted for it and that’s what they want, that’s what they’re going to get.”
Before the meeting, Allegiance reduced its planned three-year contract from $250,000 to $200,000. Nonetheless, the ESD board opted to table the agreement until the bidding issue could be resolved.
Meanwhile, at the Kirbyville City Council meeting, almost a dozen citizens begged city officials to help support ambulance service. ESD 3 has asked the city to contribute to the cost, which could be around $75,000.
Kirbyville Mayor Frank George, who begged us not to display his face, said funding the program would be difficult. “With property and sales taxes, we must fund our streets and parks. “In order for us to fund that 62 or 75, whatever it is, taxpayers must be aware that property taxes will rise,” he stated.
George also stated that a property tax increase would necessitate a citywide election. He also advised that Kirbyville CISD work with the city to share the expense.
Superintendent Edwards stated that he intends to present the concept to the school board for consideration.
An Acadian spokesperson verified that the company is capable of providing ambulance services and will submit a bid to ESD 3.
For the time being, the future of ambulance service in Jasper County is uncertain as officials consider bids and funding possibilities.
