The on-going problem of EMT shortage as a result of surrounding counties offering better pay and benefits was brought up for discussion, but no solution was offered.

However, the court did make a approve to hire three new recommended part-time employees.

A debate also arose concerning the future of the paid ambulance service. Wayne Gunnell, magistrate and EMS advisory board member, said the EMS board voted to keep the service.

"It is never going to be a money-making service," Gunnell said. "It is a good service that is provided. Probably on of the best in the county, especially with Henry County making as many runs as Oldham County."

Bryant said he was not in favor of ridding the county of the service, but was trying to keep the budget on track.

"If that's what you want (to keep the service) that's fine," Bryant said. "But, we are going to have to come up with the funds for it."

EMS representatives came to voice their opinions and to be more active in the decisions made directly affect them. Representatives said EMS members felt they were being "left out of the loop and in the dark."

Magistrates informed the representatives that at this time no definite decisions had been made.

"Nothing is going to be done unless everyone agrees," Bryant said. "I want this to be a community project. We just need to get something started before we can all sit down and work together."

Bryant said only preliminary stages have begun on the new building, but still nothing was final.

A majority of the magistrates seemed in favor of keeping the facility in New Castle, however, they were reminded that an offer still stood from Eminence City Council to have the paid service in the existing EMS building.

Eminence City Councilor Fred Downey stated that as a citizen of Eminence, he personally was in favor of seeing the EMS move there.