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Bonham FD may run three ambulances BY VICKI GRAVFS HERALD DEMOCRAT BONHAM The Bonham Fire Department might start running three ambulances in a countywide ambulance service. With Fannin County joining incorporated cities in a single request for proposals for ambulance service, Bonham City Commission members held a workshop Monday night to discuss the possibility. At the workshop, Fire Chief Mike Baker presented information to the Commission and city manager. "We went through cost projections, revenue projections and some protocol," Baker said, "I asked the commissioners questions about the possibility and the feasibility of the fire department running EMS. As we all know, East Texas EMS will be leaving no later than Sept. 30 of this year." Baker came away from the workshop with the feeling that the Commission seemed to have a favorable response, he said. However, the Commission made no decision. The topic was a discussion item only, but Baker said he got the impression that he needed to move forward with his research and put together a package in order to respond to the RFP the county has issued. "Pll take our findings from our reseazch and announce them to the City Commission on May 13," he said. The cost projection Baker gave the City Commission was approximately $910,000. It would cost the city that much each yeaz to run three ambulances, he told city leaders. "With revenue projections at about $670,000, wc would be asking a subsidy from the coimty," Baker said. "The city of Bonham will be putting aUout $250,000 into tliis ptroject and will ask the cowlty for about that same amount, to help offset Lhe deficit. Regarding additional employees, Baker would add 14 employecs to the Pire department to take care of EMS service. At least 10 of those would be at paraniedic level and all BFD employees would be trained as fire and EMS personnel, he said. Baker also asked for an administrative secretazy position to help keep up with all the paperwork. "He ran through the numbers and showed what it would cost, using the estimated city budget," said City Manager Bill Funderburk. "We would continue the same service level we have today, running three ambulances, countywide." Baker said there are several things that have to happen between now and then, if BFD even does it. But the City Commission has the numbers and wili convene again for a regulaz meeting May 13. At that time, the Commission will decide if Baker will turn in a proposal. "They will Say yea or nay," Funderburk said. "So, we'll see if we want to be a player in this."