The Dearborn County Board approved seven EMS staffing contracts funded through the EMS local income tax (LIT) distribution at its Dec. 2 meeting. The contracts cover staffing distributions for life squads transporting in the county (Bridal, Aurora, Greendale, Manchester, Morris Hill, Lawrenceburg and Sunman). Staff cited a combined total for all contracts of just under $2.9 million.

Staff described per‑squad variations in the distribution amounts tied to coverage area and service levels; Aurora was noted as receiving a higher per‑unit allocation and certain squads (Bright/Lawrenceburg) were discussed as receiving additional funding related to paramedic chase car support. The meeting included questions about whether the additional funding for a paramedic chase car would be sufficient to sustain staffing; staff said chase cars will be auto‑dispatched for specific high‑priority call types and that availability will depend on staffing.

After discussion, commissioners moved and seconded a single motion to approve all seven contracts together; the motion carried unanimously.

What’s next: County staff will finalize individual contracts and execute them; squads will submit required documentation for staffing funding.