In closed session at its regular monthly meeting Wednesday, July 10, the Mid-Mo Ambulance District Board of Directors approved purchase of property for $60,000 to build a new California ambulance base. The chosen lot is 165 feet by 202 feet and just south of the California city limits and has utilities access. The board is using all options to determine how to build the base. According to Administrator Lee Kempf, if a lease-purchase deal, which would be about $200,000, is not available, it would have to be done with prevailing wage costs, the project could easily cost $350,000.
If the lease-purchase is not an option, the board will consider different options for paying for the project. The three options mentioned are to pay for the project with existing funds, borrow the funds for the project or set the real estate tax levy at 10 cents per $100 valuation for one year only to cover the cost.
The decision will be made at the next meeting.
The treasurer's report for April was presented with a balance of funds on hand of $518,592.04.
Secretary Brenda West presented the board with $10,537.62 in accounts deemed uncollectible. The board approved writing them off the accounts as presented.
Run stats for April were presented: Tipton - 35 calls with 25 transports; California - 74 calls, 47 transports; Versailles - 124 calls, 84 transports; and Barnett - 52 calls, 28 transports. Total calls districtwide were 285 with 184 transports, for a transport rate on patient contact calls of 73 percent.
The next meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. A public hearing to discuss the tax levy for the year will be held before the regular board meeting at 6 p.m.