CHILTON COUNTY, Alabama (WBRC) – The Chilton County Commission is exploring various options to increase ambulance services in the county.
These plans may require you to pay more for your license plates.
County commissioners said a proposal from their EMA director would impose a fee on the purchase of license plates to help fund more county ambulances.
Representatives of the district administration have stated that the situation is delicate.
The district lacks the financial means to finance the project. The district administration explained that a lot of time and money would be needed to realize this project for the community.
As county leaders weigh their options, they said this has been a problem for Chilton County for several years.
There are currently still a few RPS ambulances available for emergency calls in the district, but these are quickly booked up.
“We have 28 miles of highway and when you consider the amount of accidents on the highway, you know that the ambulances we have are often gone quickly,” said Sheriff John Shearon.
Commissioner Randal Kelly said this is an issue the County Commission is currently working to resolve.
“The plan was to charge a fee on all license plates purchased in the county. That fee would hopefully be enough to fund three ambulances and one emergency vehicle,” Kelly said.
Commissioner Kelly said the fee would be $15 for all license plates, but a statewide vote would have to be held to make that possible.
“Send a resolution to Montgomery so that the state legislature will make this law in February so that the county can hold a special election for the people to vote on this. The decision on this will be left solely to the people,” Kelly said.
If the Commission decides to take this step, it must submit its resolution by 1 January 2025. However, it could take another two to three years before the ambulances are in use.
No decision or vote has yet been taken on this plan.
Sheriff Shearon, meanwhile, says that for non-urgent emergencies, it may be best to drive yourself to the hospital.
Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.
All rights reserved.
