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The County of Volusia held a comprehensive meeting focused primarily on the evaluation and improvement of its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. The discussion highlighted ongoing challenges such as staffing shortages, response times, and the need for updated equipment and infrastructure. Key recommendations included establishing dedicated units for inter-facility patient transfers to free up emergency response resources, implementing a nurse triage system to reduce unnecessary 911 calls, and investing in new ambulances and technology to enhance service delivery. Financial implications were thoroughly reviewed, with the current budget allowing for initial steps in fiscal year 2018-19 and projections indicating increased general fund contributions in subsequent years to support full implementation. Council members expressed strong support for the phased approach, emphasizing the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with the community's safety needs. Additionally, the meeting addressed procurement concerns related to janitorial services contracts, where a protest was denied and a new contract awarded to American Janitorial Incorporated after evaluation committee discussions. The meeting concluded with administrative updates and scheduling considerations for future workshops to further address county priorities.