Transforming Emergency Care Through Strategic Investments

The Carter County Ambulance Board recently addressed pivotal matters impacting its operations, including vehicle repairs, medical equipment procurement, and prudent financial management. This meeting underscored the importance of balancing service quality with cost-effectiveness in delivering emergency care.

Financial Performance Analysis

During March 2025, the ambulance service reported an income of $289,980.15, surpassing the monthly budget by $13,870.15 but reflecting a year-on-year decline of $102,778.35. Despite this shortfall, expenses were managed prudently at $298,116.09, staying under budget by $12,284.91 and marginally higher than the prior year's figures.

A significant portion of expenditures, approximately 68%, was attributed to payroll costs amounting to $245,074.93. This figure reflects a favorable variance against the budgeted amount and demonstrates efficient workforce management. However, unscheduled overtime rose slightly from February's 3.78% to March's 4.9%, largely due to covering shifts for an injured employee. CFO Dora Roe clarified that while individual employees might accrue extra hours, these are not necessarily additional costs to the organization since scheduled overtime is already factored into budgets.

Reevaluating Overtime Policies

Roe elaborated on the distinction between scheduled and unscheduled overtime, emphasizing that true unscheduled overtime occurs when unforeseen circumstances extend work hours beyond planned schedules. For instance, if an employee receives a late call requiring them to stay an extra hour or two, it impacts both their shift and the incoming team, creating genuine unscheduled overtime.

This nuanced approach ensures accurate tracking of actual unplanned expenses versus those embedded within regular operations. Scheduled overtime, inherently part of the weekly 56-hour work plan, remains consistent across periods despite individual variations. Thus, when employees cover shifts outside their designated roles, it triggers unscheduled overtime but does not inflate overall company liabilities.

Exploring Investment Opportunities

To optimize financial resources, Roe engaged Rob Roar from WC Wealth Management regarding potential investments for surplus funds held in a Madisonville checking account. Roar proposed splitting the funds into a diversified portfolio comprising CDs and money market accounts, recommending a 70/30 allocation favoring CDs.

Currently offering competitive returns at 4.1%, both options provide security while generating steady income. Additionally, Roar suggested reinvesting earnings into higher-yield opportunities without jeopardizing principal amounts. This strategy aligns with the board's goal of securing six months to a year's operational funding through strategic asset deployment.

Medical Equipment Acquisition

A key decision involved purchasing three recertified heart monitors at approximately $50,000, significantly cheaper than new models costing triple the amount. By opting for outright purchase instead of financing, the board avoided nearly $10,000 in interest payments over time. This acquisition ensures all vehicles are equipped with essential life-saving technology, enhancing patient care capabilities during emergencies.

This initiative exemplifies the board's commitment to balancing affordability with effectiveness. Recertified equipment offers reliable performance comparable to newer alternatives while conserving valuable resources for other priorities.

Vehicular Maintenance Challenges

Director Tim Woods highlighted concerns surrounding Carter 7, a secondary ambulance plagued by recurring air conditioning issues necessitating frequent repairs. Addressing this problem involves exploring alternative mounting configurations for the AC unit to reduce maintenance complexity and costs.

Removing the rooftop installation could streamline future servicing requirements, making it more appealing for vendors to undertake necessary repairs. Pending further investigation into viable solutions, the board deferred definitive action until subsequent discussions yield clearer insights.

Personnel Matters

Executive sessions dominated parts of the agenda, focusing on personnel-related topics. While no immediate resolutions emerged, these confidential deliberations ensured thorough examination of sensitive issues before advancing any formal actions. Such measures safeguard organizational integrity and uphold professional standards among staff members.

Maintaining confidentiality around personnel grievances protects individuals' rights while fostering a constructive environment conducive to resolving disputes amicably. Future meetings will likely revisit unresolved matters following comprehensive evaluations.