By EMS1 Staff
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — In an effort to raise money to build new fire stations for a growing city, officials are considering charging the county rent for their ambulances.
WSMV reported that the city of Hendersonville may soon charge Sumner County to house their ambulances in city fire stations due to their limited funds.
Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary added that officials also want the county to pay for calls that city responders are answering outside of their municipality.
“Certainly as the county continues to allow more building to happen outside the city, they still expect us to provide fire service out there so we’re going to continue having that conversation,” Clary said.
Hendersonville Fire Department Chief Scotty Bush said the request for ambulance rent fees would increase service for both the county and city.
“There’s an increase in call volume both for them and us, and so obviously, there’s going to be a need for more ambulances in the general area,” he said.
Chief Bush added that the county money that would go toward building more fire stations would keep response times low, but he said the county’s decision is still up in the air.
“Now if the county chose because we have asked for this to pull their ambulances out, then that’s a decision between the city leaders and the county leaders. It wouldn’t be wise transport time wise for us, but it would not affect how we treat patients,” he said.
Sumner County Mayor Anthony Holt said he will wait to make a decision until the city puts the issue up for a vote.