4/16/26 - Bradley County Department Budget Hearings

The Bradley County Department Budget Hearings held on April 16, 2026, focused extensively on the procurement and budgeting needs of the county's Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Key discussions centered around the anticipated increase in call volume due to two new standalone emergency rooms opening in the community, which will necessitate additional resources. The EMS department requested funding for two new convalescent vans and one ambulance, with an estimated upfront cost of approximately $305,000 per van. The vans are expected to be delivered by fall or early next year, with staffing requirements including four additional EMT-B employees. The department projected increased revenue from these new vehicles, which could offset the costs over time, and proposed using funds from county reserves (funds 172 or 189) for initial purchases, to be reimbursed through future revenue. Commissioners discussed the importance of balancing the budget while ensuring adequate EMS capacity, with attention to staffing, vehicle maintenance, and revenue projections. The meeting also addressed the timing of purchase orders, salary scales for EMS personnel, and the impact of new hospital facilities on EMS operations. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, but there was consensus on prioritizing the acquisition of the vehicles and managing the budget to support EMS growth without increasing taxes.