Morgan County Commissioners authorized Chairman Ray Long and County Attorney Bill Shinn to draft a proposal for the formation of a Morgan County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Board to study and evaluate the county’s need for ambulance services at a regular meeting on Tuesday.

The EMS Board, in turn, would assume authority to draft its own rules and regulations, hire a provider under contract and ensure that regulations are being followed.

Long said each of the county’s seven municipalities would have a voting member on the board, as well as the commission. Once empowered, it would establish service guidelines and proceed to hire an ambulance provider. Currently, two ambulance providers are operating in the county.

“We have seen the number of ambulance services operating in the county   decline recently because they were unable to generate enough revenue to survive,” Long pointed out. “We wanted to do something to help create more stability and ensure that the citizens of Morgan County have ambulance service available when they need it.”

He said a resolution to consider approval of an EMS board should be ready for consideration within two to four weeks.

“I’m glad to see the Morgan County Commission moving forward with this concept,” said Hartselle Mayor Don Hall, “Healthcare services have changed for the worse in our community since Hartselle Medical Center closed, and that continues to be a concern of mine.”

“When anyone in Hartselle dials 911 they should expect to have an ambulance at their front door within a reasonable time, ” Hall said.

The commission acted on other matters as follows:

•Approved the vacation of a public right-of-way located between Mt. Zion/Mt. Tabor Road and South Cedar Cove Road in District 2. County Engineer Greg Bodley said no oral or written comments were received during a public hearing on the proposal.

•Authorized the chairman to execute a memorandum of understanding between LifeSource and the Morgan County Juvenile Probation office to provide out-patient substance abuse treatment and related services for children under the supervision of Morgan County Juvenile Court.

•Approved $1,000 for both Priceville Park and Recreation car show and Eva Art Guild (Frontier Days) from the Tourism, Recreation and Convention Fund.

•Authorized the chairman to execute the easement dedication in the certificate to consolidate as related to the proposed Morgan County Jail addition.

•Approved a $14,960.60 sales tax refund for Partners Supply Co., paid in error.

•Authorized Building Superintendent Wayne Lindley to fill the position of maintenance worker II, Grade 7 ($16.05-$20.94).

•Reappointed Ms. Blythe Bowman to the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama Board for six years.

•Approved the initiation of a road project to resurface, install guardrail and traffic stripe Hwy. 35 for 2.3 miles from District 4 line to the intersection of Hwy. 67 in Florette. County Engineer Greg Bodley reported that plans are in progress and no money is currently available to do the work.

•Declared as surplus property two garbage trucks, a pickup truck and 15 rear load dumpsters in the Environmental Services Department for sale on govdeals.com.

•Approved payment of $895.96 to Pugh, Wright, McAnally Inc., for professional services performed on the Morgan County Jail Annex project

•Approved payment of $3,678.50 to TTL Inc. for professional services performed on the Morgan County Jail Annex

•Approved payment of $75,600 to Godwin, Barnett, Woods Architects for professional services performed on the Morgan County Jail Annex.

•Approved payment of $16,111 to Volkert Inc. for program management services on the Morgan County Jail Annex

•Approved payment of $11,775 to Pugh, Wright, McAnally for site work on the Morgan County Jail Annex.

•Approved payment of $3,780.50 to Travelers Insurance as a deductible on two cases filed against the county.

•Authorized the chairman to execute documents regarding HMPG Planning Application with the State of Alabama Emergency Management Agency for Morgan County EMA to update the local hazard mitigation plan.