June 21, 2010 - Community residents sought to serve on ambulance task force

The Emmet County Board of Commissioners is looking for up to three county residents to serve on a task force that will explore local ambulance needs.

The board has been in discussions over the last several months about the potential for establishing an Ambulance Authority, which would be overseen by a three-person committee including the county controller, the Village of Mackinaw manager and a representative from Allied EMS ambulance. Such a board would have the ability to recommend millage levies to partially fund ambulance operations.

The board of commissioners agreed they would like to spend more time studying the options for funding ambulance services and capital needs, such as buildings for vehicles and upgraded equipment. At their June 17 meeting, the board agreed to form a task force that will be charged with making a recommendation for further action in regard to establishing an authority and examining what needs exist.

The task force will have seven members, including a representative from Mackinaw Ambulance, Allied Ambulance and two commissioners. Three members of the community are being sought for the at-large positions.

Those interested should send a letter of interest to the County Clerk’s office, 200 Division St., Suite 130, Petoskey, MI 49770. The board of commissioners will appoint the members to the task force at the next regular meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, July 15.

For further information, contact the County Clerk’s office at (231) 348-1744.