By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
The Carter County Emergency Ambulance Service has had an eventful couple of months. Executive director Rick Loperfido announced his plans to retire in October, with the board discussing the change in leadership during executive and making a motion to advertise for the CFO and director’s position vacancy. Loperfido told the fiscal court, during his report to them last month, that he planned to continue in some manner until the role was filled and would then be available in an advisory capacity if needed.
Chairman of the ambulance board John Brooks also announced his plans to step down from his leadership role, effective immediately. The board moved to nominate Kara Johnson as the new chairman, voting unanimously in favor of the move.
The board also took action to move meetings to the third Monday of every month at 4 p.m. They previously met at 3 p.m.
In the November meeting Loperfido noted that they were down on the total number of calls for the year so far, just over 250 versus the same time period last year – at 4,627 compared to 4,883 by October of 2022.
Loperfido noted no major trucks issues over the month of October, mostly routine maintenance and upkeep. He noted that the radio tech is continuing to install radio and wi-fi components in all trucks, and hopes to have them all operational within the next 30 to 45 days.
The newest truck has been striped and lettered, Loperfido reported, and was currently being stocked. He said it would be ready for state inspection within the week.
He added that he believes he’s completed all the requirements to acquire funds for the purchase of another new ambulance from Wheeled Coach/Burgess Ambulance Sales. He said Burgess is still waiting for the delivery of some cot mounts, which were included in the bid, for installation.
Loperfido told the board they would probably not see delivery of that ambulance until January of 2024, at the soonest.
Loperfido also reported on receipt of the ambulance service’s tax check from the Sheriff’s office, the Carter County Health Department providing flu shots and TB skin tests for crew members needing testing or vaccination, and staff inservice meetings.
In the financial report Valerie Nolan noted that income was $205,235.33 over budget for the month, but $33,051.87 less than the same month last year. Unscheduled overtime for the month was down by 2.24% but was still high at 5%, and payroll was still over budget by $1.027.45 and was $20,367.30 more than the same month last year.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
