Council approves EMS billing bid

During this past Tuesday’s Marion County Council meeting, members approved a bid for the county’s EMS billing system. Marion County Administrator Tim Harper said four bids were received, recommending the bid from Colleton software. Harper also mentioned that the company would include the cost of billing collections ranging seven to eight percent, adding that the bid would include the installation of new hardware.
Council approved the recommendation, which includes an annual contract agreement, Harper said.
In other business, a presentation was made regarding the plans for a new City of Marion fire substation located on Senator Gasque Road. Harper informed of a request, proposing the city and county partner in the construction of the station.
Harper informed that it was an opportunity to house one the county’s EMS units and Emergency Operations Center command post, allowing equipment to be housed inside a building, cutting down on maintenance cost. “This would also provide better coverage throughout the county by placing the unit at a more strategic location,” he said, adding that the Marion County Medical Center would allow another unit to be housed at the Mullins Nursing Center. The station will include a kitchen quarters and sleeping quarters for male and female staff.
Harper said the cost of the partnership would be $36,000 over a three-year period at $12,000 per year, along with payment of half of the electrical and natural gas expenses. The units would be more “centralized” in the area, he said, that the funding would come from contingency, and will be part of the EMS budget in the next fiscal year.
Council Member Tom Shaw said taxpayers are already paying for fire dues and didn’t agree with paying for a city project. Harper said it would provide better service in the county. “Even if we don’t, we need to do something,” he said, adding that it was an opportunity to work jointly with municipalities.
Council Member Milton Troy II asked to defer the matter to committee. The motion made by Council Member Allen Floyd was approved.