In the end magistrates made the unanimous decision to accept Medical Center’s proposal to run the ambulance service for the county. But it came after much discussion from all involved.

Larry Melton voiced the concern of many citizens within the county. “We know what we have now,” he said. “I’ve not heard one negative comment about Methodist Hospital’s service. It scares me to think we might be taking a shot in the dark.”

Ambulance service employees in attendance wanted to know if current employees would remain if Medical Center takes over.

“We will be interviewing all existing employees to see if they meet our requirements,” responded Medical Center’s Operations Administrator David Webb.

Webster County’s ambulance service director Chris Winstead commented. “The ambulance service will only be as good as its employees,” he said. “We have some very dedicated people.”

“I don’t think personnel will be a factor,” said magistrate Jerry Brown.

“I do think personnel will be a factor,” responded Winstead. “You’re not going to keep all your employees, I can tell you that. Keeping retirement benefits is going to make a difference.”

Webster County Ambulance Service employee Anthony Powell expressed the general feelings of employees.

“I understand that they are both good services but I’ve got to look at retirement,” he said. “Please consider us.”

After much more discussion Magistrate Jimmy Mooney voiced his opinion.

“We put out bid packages twice,” Mooney said. “But I don’t believe Community Methodist has complied with the bid process. Money is the issue, not the service. If we don’t have a cap to go on then how do you figure your budget. Since they didn’t give us a cap on the bid package I think we’ve only got one bid to look at.”

Magistrate Tom Glover spoke of his disappointment over the bids received.

“I’m so pleased with the service from Community Methodist but so displeased with no cap,” Glover said. “I can’t vote for a fictitious number. Even if it was high at least I could compare it with the service we receive.”

Judge-Executive Jim Townsend asked, “Is there a decision to be made today?”

Mooney moved to accept Medical Center’s bid. Magistrate Jerry Brown seconded the motion. When the vote was called, Glover asked for a few moments to consider then gave a reluctant aye giving the motion a unanimous vote.