05-21-2026 - COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - WORKSHOP

The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners held a workshop on May 21, 2026, primarily focused on emergency medical services (EMS) funding and the potential establishment of Municipal Service Taxing Units (MSTUs) for EMS and law enforcement. The discussion centered on the challenges faced by the current EMS provider, AmeriPro, including staffing shortages and response times, and the need to add more ambulances to improve coverage, especially in rural areas. The board reviewed financial projections for funding two additional ambulances through an EMS MSTU, with estimated costs around $3.9 million and a proposed millage rate increase of approximately 0.82 mills. They also discussed partnering with local educational institutions to develop EMT training programs to address staffing shortages. The workshop included considerations of billing and revenue collection improvements, the integration of fire and EMS services, and the importance of transparent funding mechanisms. While no formal votes were taken, the board expressed interest in moving forward with the MSTU ordinance process, aiming for public hearings and potential adoption by mid-2026 to enable funding for EMS enhancements starting in the new fiscal year.