Mid Georgia Ambulance starts in Mitchell co. | News
MITCHELL COUNTY, GA- A private company officially took over the operation of emergency medical services in Mitchell County Tuesday.
Mid Georgia Ambulance Service says the transition will be smooth.
They don't expect any problems. One paramedic who already works for the private company says people in Mitchell County can expect even better service.
"We are a better service because we do more for the communities that we operate in," said paramedic Chris Posey. "We've always strived to do more in our communities and make our communities better for us being there."
17 employees from Mitchell EMS are joining Mid Georgia Ambulance. Some residents were upset because county commissioners intentionally withheld information about the switch from the public until they were ready to vote.
A grand jury is looking into how officials made that decision.
Leaders in another county that uses Mid Georgia Ambulance expects Mitchell County will be happy with the service.
Cook County made the switch ten years ago.
The only current county commissioner who was in office when that change was made says it has been great for the county.
"We wanted to put our people to work and we wanted them to have equal or better benefits than we were providing," said Cook County Commissioner Michael Dinnerman. I can tell you they have lived up to all ends of our agreement. They run a fine ambulance service."
Dinnerman says the switch to a private ambulance company saved Cook County more than $250,000 a year.
Mitchell County leaders expect to save up to $400,000 a year. They asked for Dinnerman's input before approving the switch.
Copyright 2012 WALB. All rights reserved.
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