County Board Approves Contract w/Abbott Ambulance

The Effingham County Board voted 7-1 Friday morning to approve a contract with Abbott Ambulance, Incorporated.

Board member John Perry voted against the motion, saying there should have been better vetting of other ambulance services to make sure the County was getting the best service available. Board member Rob Arnold was not present for the meeting.

Perry and others present for the meeting were concerned that the agreement states that Abbott will adhere to industry standards in operating the service, saying that there aren't any industry standards; the terms under which a service will operate are typically outlined in the contract with the service.

Greg Sapp talked with John Perry after the meeting about his vote...

County Board Chairman Jim Niemann said the County Board adopted a standard of care ordinance in 2014, outlining how ambulance services will operate in the county.

As to the vetting process, County Ambulance Oversight Committee member Mike DePoister said two services were vetted; Abbott and Reeves Ambulance, the service operated by former County Board member Jim Reeves.

Perry said he contacted some other area ambulance services. He said those services indicated they were not asked for a proposal, and said he was told they would have submitted one had they been contacted.

Attorney Chris Koester, who was retained by the County to handle their representation in the ambulance matter, said Abbott Ambulance will become the ambulance service for Effingham County within 60-90 days, working with existing operator Altamont Ambulance in the meantime. The County Board voted earlier to approve a settlement with Altamont Ambulance, paying the service $125,000 to cover its costs during the transition to Abbott.

Greg Sapp spoke with Jim Niemann following the meeting on where things go from here...

There were also comments raised about ties between Niemann and those who work for Abbott. Niemann said Larry Thies is his uncle, but is not going to work for Abbott. Thies works for Air Evac and has worked in emergency services for many years. One of Niemann's cousins does work for Abbott. Niemann said they are not close and see each other infrequently.