By Alison James

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

In a called meeting Monday preceding the county commission’s regular work session, commissioners renewed the county’s ambulance contract with Shoals Ambulance.

Approved were two 24-hour units, one 12-hour unit and one fully-equipped ambulance at Russellville Ambulance Station “to be staffed by call crews as needed to maintain adequate level of service.”

The approval represents a reduction in service as it relates to staff hours – although not in terms of total ambulances, as one will remained equipped at the ambulance station – cited as being necessary because of the impact of Pleasant Bay Ambulance Company’s continued “non-compliant” operation in the county, which has affected call volume for Shoals Ambulance.

Pleasant Bay and the county continue in ongoing litigation.

“The county and the cities of Russellville and Red Bay have asked Judge (Terry) Dempsey to grant an injunction to stop the illegal use of the non-certified ambulance company,” said attorney Roger Bedford. “The non-certified ambulance company does not have a business license in Red Bay or Russellville, which is required by law, and they are not the low bidder for the county contract.”

A hearing has been set for Sept. 18.

The agreement with Shoals Ambulance is a three-year contract with yearly review/renewal.