02 Council Minutes (08/22/01) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Special Meeting August 22, 2001 Page 12 to the County it is 40% of the shortfall. He advised that the budget that was presented to the City Council was 1.7 million dollars. What is added on to the county side was a portion of the dispatchers, emergency rescue truck from the Fire Department, and 6.5% for the City Manager, Finance Department, and Attorney Office, and that is how it comes back to the County. The Judge said that when he submits his budget, he fully intends to fund the $400,000.00 needed for the County's 40%. He said that the reason he was attending this meeting was to let the City Council know that, in his opinion, this is a big problem and it can not go on. He said he did know how this problem could be solved. City Manager Malone stated that what the City is providing is readiness to serve, the availability of service, and contracting for service. He said the citizens of the City of Paris have no obligation to provide ambulance service outside the city limits of Paris. City Manager Malone advised that the city is permitted to do this by contract only. The City Manager said the County has taken on the responsibility for other incorporated cities within the county who pay nothing towards the ambulance service. Judge Superville responded that his point is to raise the question as to where is this going to be five years from now. City Manager Malone advised that the City has the same concern as Judge Superville. If the population of Paris and Lamar County is one of the most aged in the state, and the medical industry is one of the largest employers in our county, and EMS is faced with the Balanced Budget Act, then the City is faced with the same thing. The EMS is the key component of that industry, which brings in tax money to both Lamar County and the City of Paris. He pointed out that the citizens of Paris pay 60% of the taxes that Lamar County collects, and the