Board of County Commissioners 6-10-2026 Special Meeting

The Columbia County Florida Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on June 10, 2026, focused primarily on emergency medical services (EMS) and ambulance service funding. The discussion centered on the current EMS contract with Amerro, which has not been meeting required response times, and the potential need to purchase additional ambulances to improve service. Commissioners debated funding options, including the possibility of an EMS Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) and reallocating existing budget funds, with concerns about tax impacts and sustainable funding. A motion was passed to set aside approximately $3 million from contingency funds to order three ambulances immediately, contingent on further budget planning and potential support from the Lakeshore Hospital Authority. The board emphasized the urgency of improving EMS coverage, especially in rural areas, and discussed staffing challenges, contract compliance, and the need for a long-term funding plan. Further detailed budget information was requested for the next meeting to inform final decisions.