Ambulance Service Requests
At the Ambulance Committee Meeting this morning it was requested and approved to give the Ambulance Service the authority to spend $95,870.00 to be paid in three increments of $31,956.67 a year for Stryker Power Pro Ambulance Cots. The justification for buying these units was so attendants will not hurt their backs. Now, having lifted more than my share of occupied straight pole litters I can attest to the fact that they get heavy, but do you go buy a Rolls Royce when you only have enough money for a 1993 Ford Country Squire?
Now before you jump up and down about the cost let me tell you for that $95,870.00 we get five cots and five Stair Chairs along with some slick accessories. How about a $197.00 Oxygen Bottle Holder or an IV Pole for only $260.00 each. Equipment hook for only $40.00 a piece and we only need five. How about a Back Rest Storage Pouch for $195.00. A Flat Head End Storage Pouch at $112.00 each, is this beginning to sound like a GSA purchase order for a Vegas trip?.
Now if you think it sounds weird so far you ain't heard nothing yet.
The Chairs have a five year warranty for only $625.00 each, or $3,125.00 if you prefer, but they have a free one year warranty just because they are new. So aren't we actually paying $625.00 per chair, $3,125.00 if you prefer, for only four years of coverage?
Now wait, because I haven't gotten to the real deal yet. The Cots have an even better deal on their warranty. The Cots have a free lifetime warranty on all "WELDS". Free three year warranty on parts, labor, and travel on the X-frame components and hydraulics; a free three year power train warranty; a free two year warranty on parts, labor and travel on electronics; and a one year warranty on parts, labor and travel for mattress and restraints and don't forget that lifetime warranty on all welds. So for just a mere $13,750.00 we have a warranty that covers things for somewhere between four years and two years. You sure can't get that kind of coverage at Dog Days.
If you think this purchase was well thought out then you probably are still laughing about the ending of "Old Yeller".
The vote on this expenditure was Commissioners Pollard and Adams voting no, while Commissioners Flacy, Jackson, Houston, Beech and Campbell voted yes. This vote was immediately followed by a discussion about the county not having any money and the expected deficit being a half million dollars by 30 June.
Now before you jump up and down about the cost let me tell you for that $95,870.00 we get five cots and five Stair Chairs along with some slick accessories. How about a $197.00 Oxygen Bottle Holder or an IV Pole for only $260.00 each. Equipment hook for only $40.00 a piece and we only need five. How about a Back Rest Storage Pouch for $195.00. A Flat Head End Storage Pouch at $112.00 each, is this beginning to sound like a GSA purchase order for a Vegas trip?.
Now if you think it sounds weird so far you ain't heard nothing yet.
The Chairs have a five year warranty for only $625.00 each, or $3,125.00 if you prefer, but they have a free one year warranty just because they are new. So aren't we actually paying $625.00 per chair, $3,125.00 if you prefer, for only four years of coverage?
Now wait, because I haven't gotten to the real deal yet. The Cots have an even better deal on their warranty. The Cots have a free lifetime warranty on all "WELDS". Free three year warranty on parts, labor, and travel on the X-frame components and hydraulics; a free three year power train warranty; a free two year warranty on parts, labor and travel on electronics; and a one year warranty on parts, labor and travel for mattress and restraints and don't forget that lifetime warranty on all welds. So for just a mere $13,750.00 we have a warranty that covers things for somewhere between four years and two years. You sure can't get that kind of coverage at Dog Days.
If you think this purchase was well thought out then you probably are still laughing about the ending of "Old Yeller".
The vote on this expenditure was Commissioners Pollard and Adams voting no, while Commissioners Flacy, Jackson, Houston, Beech and Campbell voted yes. This vote was immediately followed by a discussion about the county not having any money and the expected deficit being a half million dollars by 30 June.
posted by Allen Barrett | 3:14 PM
40 Comments:
$661,000 comes closer to 3/4 million dollars than a half million in my book! Why wasn't this deficit brought up before voting on new ambulance equipment? Just goes to show the majority of the budget committee members dont have a clue about finances and the county executive and finance director just kept their mouth shut. Surely Vanzant will not run again with this kind of record.
Congrats to the Ambulance Service for getting this much needed equipment. I would also like to thank them for helping save the lives of the citizens of Giles County.
5:19 They ain't got it yet. How can the county afford to purchase when the finances are in such a mess? Wouldnt this have to go before the full commission for an ok to buy?
They should get it. I will pay more in taxes for it.
5:59 You can go to the Finance Office just about anytime and make a donation. Why wait to pay taxes when they take contributions.
5:59 please donate enough for all these things and we will all be happy! I have seen workers pushing beds and transporting and those things are heavy. I asked one doing her job and she said it was better than not having a job. I worked for 37 years doing heavy lifting and suddenly without warning I have cancer and can't lift over five pounds. I miss working and as I think of the dead beats that don't won't to work, it just sickens me. Maybe you are one of those. I am all for improvement
but I can't see spending we we do not have. I do not have `63 Ford but I do know how to do without somethings I don't need.
Did anybody know that Killside does not even use a local bank account?
5:59 I just have a different opinion than you.
I will. I want them to either raise the property tax or implement a wheel tax so we can all help pay for the things the county needs. That way you all can quit complaining about budgets not being balanced. Pay more and get more is true with almost everything in life. You all have so much to learn.
6:48, Your post was so mumbled I didn't understand what you were trying to say.
7:05 Your really showing your ignorance. Money is wasted in this county and if they are given more it will just be wasted to. Why do we pay 50,000 to a guy to sit in the bank and call hisself being in charge of recycling when there is no recycling. Why can't the commissioners cut their pay and layoff some of the extra people sitting around all day. Them two jobs in finance that was done away with then brought back so Terry HArwell could have a job needs to be done away with for good. There is a lot of ways the county could save money but they don't want to they just want more and more when there ain't no more.
Our taxes will be raised regardless of how we feel about it;they always are. I am and have always been against a wheel tax. They are NEVER temporary--as is often suggested by their proponents--and only increase once they are implemented. I don't think I should have to pay a tax on some vehicles I own -- motorcycle,rv,etc. -- when I don't put them on the road but a few times a year. On the subject of the proposed AD purchases, I am all for buying the best, if you have a surplus and not a deficit. I do agree that the job is horrendously hard on the back but feel that less expensive measures could be taken.
Anyways...
Ray Lanier
I did not want you think I am mumbling and I do not wish cancer on any one,no not one,but if you never had exrerience with it you can't know what it is like.It hurts family just as much. I am not feeling sorry for myself,I have lived four years and eleven days with it and it does not get easy with your colon removed,ostomy bag,
and two major liver surgeries and I am still thankfull to the Lord for the health that have and I want to be an inspiration for any one that goes through an illness like this. It can be so hard at all times for the family and friends of patients,But if we keep
the faith, trust the Lord to take care of all of us and He will
be here to care for all of us at
all times, included is family and friends and loved ones. Pastors
have a real job taking care and seeing to all of his flock. A situation of Chemo brain really zaps you short term memory and concentration. My long term memory is fine.I do not wish cancer on even my biggest enemies,because if they become christians the will be friends. Sir I did not want to put you down at all.Please do not think I put you down
7:05 I hope you are real proud of yourself. You just showed your ignorance. Was it you posting 5:59 that said you would pay more? Sure sounded like something the great cg would post. Watch him/her say I didn't post that.
10:33, I am inspired right now. My hat's off to you for keeping the upbeat attitude you have displayed. Oh yeah, and mumble all you want, it ain't gonna hurt no one. Hang in there.
Ray Lanier
Mr. Ray thanks for you words of encourgement. Most people don't care that their neighbor is hurting,and their is cases of these neighbors breaking into the sick peoples houses and taking all they have. It happened on Washington St. just resently. These neighbors were good friends.He did get caught.
To all cancer victums: It is ok to give out sometimes,but don'ever give up. Please!
10:45
You're right; I did not make that post. Oh, how that must disappoint you. But wait; you can always accuse me of lying. Isn't that what you guys do best?
Yes, I am a Christian and a gentleman. You just can't stand that, can you?
10:33 Posted comments that are so reflective of dozens and dozens of families in the county who have exhausted all their resources but hope and their faith in God.
God is indeed always with us and looking out for us but He leaves life up to us. He will not force a person to get an education, to be honest, or even help their neighbor those are choices He gives us after making us aware of the consequences. God expects us to trust in him to provide but we still have to go out and pick up the manna. In other words He provides the resources but we decide how we'll use them.
Regardless of our belief or disbelief in God, the undisciplined spending of the county government
to and will always be counter-productive to the well-being of its citizens. When a person is faced with paying the increase in their rent because of a property tax increase or buying a wheel tax sticker or their medicine and food that government has betrayed that citizen. No I do not believe the government should be responsible for a person from cradle to grave but the government is responsible for providing an opportunity for a person willing to work and sacrifice to succeed to actually benefit from that success instead of robbing them of their labors simply because they can.
WE NEED A TAX INCREASE! Ask the commissioners what they say behind closed doors. They know we need it. I have heard it come out of their mouths.
11:55 Yes we need it if the commissioners and vanzant can't stop their spending. It's hard to get blood out of a turnip.
It seems that those that have think to hell with those that don't have.
I can just hear the comment, they should of worked and provided for the future. I guess they also think they shouldn't of had children.
There is lots of people out there that provided a good living and good education for the their children, even saved a little thinking interest on their money and Social Security would keep them going in their old age. Well the bottom dropped out of interest and SS isn't all that much.
No one knows the expense of older people until you get old. So give them more taxes.
11:55
WE NEED RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT!!
Sincerely,
CG lies & whines
2:41
You are going to have a nervous breakdown because of your resentment and jealousy. Have you ever asked yourself where it came from?
I believe we have responsible and accountable local government, and you think it's ok to call names and criticize anyone who doesn't see it your way. Too bad.
Your turn again, but please calm down.
2:51 You need to calm down also. You bring it on yourself. I've been wondering who made you protector of the Giles County Government.
Sounds like you don't think they can take care of them self. If they can't they don't need to be running the county.
2:51 Are you crazy? You think we have responsible and accountable government then why was this $661,000 deficit allowed to happen? Answer me that.
4:18 (4:54)
I don't know about the deficit. All I've seen about it is more of allen barrett's crowing and pointing fingers. You seem to be parroting his every word. Don't you have a mind of your own?
As for thinking I'm a proterctor of county government, that is a most foolish statement. No, I just don't like the way you and the other one or two, including barrett, think you ought to be able to say anythuing you want to about elected or appointed officials without being challenged. Most of the elected and appointed officials I know have too much professionalism about them to get down to you guys' level, but I am not one of them.
Your turn again.
CG
You don't know about the deficit.
You don't know about how Giles County is be managed.
You don't know if Ms. Garner has broken any law.
You don't know what has transpired at any public meetings.
You don't know any details about the proposed Home Rule Charter.
In summary ..... YOU DON'T KNOW
You do have a mioptic view of certain people and you will be damned if you are going to change your mind. That's OK. All you have done is proven that you are a selfcentered, opinionated, un-informed person who has real social problems.
Do I attack you? No ... you are way too easy a target ... I do pitty you and I will continue to do so until such time that you mature.
5:17 Why is it you complain if something is said about a public official (paid by tax papers) yet you think you are free to call citizens 'morons', etc. What is the difference in that, especially when in public office a person expects to be on the hot seat once in a while.
5:17 You are right about one thing the public officials are a better person than you.
5:25
Of course you attack me with that smart mouth on a routine and daily basis, but that's ok. Just don't expect me to sit idly by and let you get away with it.
As for the deficit, NO, I don't know the intricate details of what is going on? Does anybody...other than you?
The charter? Oh yes, I know plenty about it and who is behind it. You have my word that I will be doing everything within my power to see it defeated.
NO, I don't know if Mrs. Garner has broken a law. Why don't you march yourself up there and ask her? Take barrett with you. I'm sure she would be so very pleasantly surprised to see the both of you. What I did say is that she should be punished in some way if she did break a law. Apparently, you just cannot (or will not) understand that.
Why should,I gho to meetings. You guys seem to have thaqt adequately covered...with camera rolling. Hilarious.
Yeah, I know how aGiles County is to managed. It's managed by a county executive and commissioners who ARE ELECTED by the will of the people. I happen to respect that process. It's unfortunate that some people don't.
Have I left anything out? If so, I'm sure you will be the first to let me know.
Your turn.
7:35
I read that post on another thread where someone called barrett's followers a bunch of morons. I didn't make that post, and I do not condone name-calling.
If cameras are rolling at these meetings, please put them on utube so anyone wanting to see what goes on can see and draw their own opinion.
9:31 Cameras are not rolling at meetings. Ocassionaly a member of the public makes a tape recording. Sometimes MMC makes a video of the board of commissioners meetings that run on the local Pulaski (city only) channel.
4:54 cg said in post in May 2, 8:30 they were, "You guys seem to have thaqt adequately covered...with camera rolling. Hilarious."
So cg lies?
8:22
No, I don't lie, so why do you insist on trying to stir up trouble?
9:46 Did you post 8:30?
Did you post 4:54?
8:30 said cameras were rolling. 4:54 said they weren't. One of you must of lied. Ain't that a hoot. Hilarious!!
8:30 stretched the facts too much! Believe Mr. Barrett filmed ONCE, years ago.
PES Energize channel 3 shows City Council Meetings, Giles County Commisioners Meetings and School board on Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm. The college did do it before.
I do not have PES and wish they would post it on a site some where.
Maybe that is PES's way to get us to use their internet services. I will take it just to see the school board and commissioners meeting.
Sure do miss George Martin, RIP George.
In case someone don't remember George, he use to have the commissioners meeting on the radio, live.
"It's 12 o'clock." That's how I always remember George.
Ray Lanier
An amazing revelation was made in the Commission Meeting this morning. When a commissioner asked if there was assurance that the county would have the thirty thousand dollars a year needed to pay for the Cadillac cots the Ambulance Service wants. Mrs Vanzant stated a very clear "No", then the commissioners proceeded to vote to spend the more than $90,000.00 for the cots.
What ever happened to yearly budgets and planning.The need for the cots should have been included in budget planning not brought up all of a sudden like a have to buy case.Why buy five at one time. Buy one or two a year as budget permits.What happened to the one they already have? Maybe instead of buying expensive cot there should be training on proper lifting.Maybe the fiscal condition of employees should be looked at.A back injury is a problem wating to happen when an employee is to small to physically lift or they are too large to bend over to pick up a cot.
The county budget is operated off amendments that's why we have the problems we have.
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