Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

  Chair called workshop to order at 4 p.m. Chair led into Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

Citizens Requesting to be Heard on Non-Agenda Items (3-minutes Limit)

The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners welcomes and encourages public participation at all meetings of the Board. Citizens are free to speak for up to three (3) minutes on non-agenda items. Public comments and participation are also encouraged for items on the agenda. Additionally, if you are unable to attend a meeting in person, comments from the Public can also be submitted via email to CitizensToBeHeard@gadsdencountyfl.gov until noon on the date of the meeting. Comments submitted after the deadline, but prior to the meeting, will be added to the official record, but the County cannot guarantee that Commissioners and staff will have adequate time to review comments prior to the meeting. Citizens are further encouraged to participate on the County’s website at www.gadsdencountyfl.gov.

  Chair read aloud the above statement.

General Business

1.       Introduction

  Dixon introduced – stated they are here to talk about fire and EMS 

2.       Fire and Emergency Management Services Presentation

  Chief Hood appeared. Chief Walker was unable to attend.

  brief overview

  Recap of 2024

Simpkins appeared at 4:18 p.m.

  Went thru EMS response by station

Hinson appeared at 4:20 p.m.

  Transport destinations 

  2025 Outlook 

Approved $360k from the RPA to remount 2 ambulances 

  PMT program 

  Hood went through staffing needs

Paramedics – 8 full time positions available

EMT – 0

  Tuition reimbursement program for current EMT’s

  Implemented FTO’s (Field training Officers) within the agency, these officers are responsible for training all students, new hires  

  EMS Stations

  Quincy station pros and cons   

  Midway Station pros and cons

  Robertsville station pros and cons

  Chattahoochee Station pros and cons

  Havana Stations pros and cons    

  Recommendations/ Mitigating factors

  continued efforts to apply for grants and work with their new billing company.

  Recruitment and retention    

  highly competitive when it comes to pay 

  Hood went through suggestions of what they could do

-reduce burnout

-plan for launch of new work schedule

-remodel/reconstruct current stations

Chair stepped out at 4:47 p.m.

   24-72 (recommended model)

  48-96 (current model)   

3.       Questions

  Holt asked about in-house transport

  Hood stated for 2023 did a total of 1,059 

Chair returned at 4:55 p.m.

Hinson stepped out at 5:02 p.m.

  Simpkins mentioned 24-72

  Simpkins asked about PMT program

Hinson returned at 5:14 p.m.

Holt stepped out at 5:20 p.m.

  NeSmith stated need to go talk about hospital contract

  NeSmith asked Hood where they are not receiving reimbursement

Holt returned at 5:23 p.m.

  Hood went on to Fire services and presented on behalf of Chief Walker

  brief overview of fire

  2024 recap

-provided emergency vehicle operator course

-renewed the interlocal fire and rescue agreements

-increased funding for volunteer fire depts.

-established stipends for volunteer firefighters

-invested in new fire trucks

-participated in summer youth program

-installed and replaced smoke detectors.

  2025 Outlook for fire services

  new fire stations

  installation of fire hydrants

  potential locations for fire hydrants

  $8500 to $9500 per hydrant        

  Chair asked about other options for…

  Chair asked if there was schedule with maintenance for fire hydrants

  Simpkins stated only have couple fire stations that are a 10?

Hood stated more than half of depts.

  Hinson stated he just wanted to listen in this workshop.

  Holt stated with TDC looked at grass being cut. Need to hire more during summer if possible

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned workshop at 6p.m.