Van Buren council approves 5-year ambulance contract

story by Marla Cantrell
[email protected]

At the Monday (Sept. 20) meeting of the Van Buren City Council, alderman approved the final one-year extension for Southwest EMS exclusive five-year ambulance service contract.

The EMS advisory panel, which includes Van Buren Fire Chief Jerry McAdoo, Battalion Chief Tim Arnold, and Alderman Bill Swaim, recommended the measure, after conducting an inspection, reviewing documents, and verifying there were no investigations concerning ambulance service in the city.

“I’d like to thank Bill Swaim,” McAdoo said. “He’s put in a lot of hours on this, and it really helps us when there’s good ambulance service.”

The ambulance service was a point of heated discussion during a July 20 Van Buren council meeting when it was learned Care One Emergency Medical sent letters to Van Buren residents suggesting they not call 911 in case of emergency. The city of Van Buren responded with legal action demanding Care One cease and desist.

Southwest EMS, based in Mena, has had the Van Buren contract more than three years. It also took over the contract for Crawford County, previously held by Care One Emergency Medical Services, on Jan. 1.

Alderman also approved a resolution to designate Western Arkansas Planning and Development District as its administrator for a $50,000 Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program grant.

The move is a preliminary step in obtaining the funds, which will be used to improve drainage in the most vulnerable parts of the city.

Two commission seats were also filled. Jason Myers will replace Dorvan Wiley, whose term has expired, on the planning commission. Myers’ term will end June 30, 2013.

Tina Youngblood’s term on the Advertising and Promotions Commission was renewed for four years. Her term will end Sept. 19, 2014.

The next meeting for the Van Buren City Council will be held Oct.18.