Bedford County could approve additional staff Tuesday to pave the way for full-time paramedic care to the community.
The Board of Supervisors is set to review a resolution at its Tuesday meeting authorizing the expansion of paid emergency services staff, at the request of rescue volunteers.
An ambulance with a paramedic and emergency medical technician to work night hours Sunday through Thursday and a full-time advanced life support response vehicle are proposed additions.
“With these staff positions the county will provide for advanced life support (paramedic) care to the community,” on a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week basis, according to a memo to supervisors from Jack Jones, chief of fire and rescue.
Money from a revenue-recovery billing program would cover the costs of increased staff, according to the resolution.
Richard Downey, president of the Bedford County Rescue Association, asked the board earlier this month to add more positions to supplement volunteers, especially in the western parts of the county, which he said is sometimes underserved.
Ricky Wright of the Big Island Fire Company told the board earlier this month he was aware of 16 out of about 100 emergency calls that went unanswered.
“We need help,” Wright said.
Also Tuesday, supervisors are scheduled to approve a six-year plan from the Virginia Department of Transportation for secondary road improvements. The plan has an estimated allocation of $7.6 million over the next six fiscal years and includes no money for unpaved roads. Supervisors have compiled a list of nearly 50 roads they would like to see paved.
The board is also set to vote on advertising a public hearing on creation of a broadband authority, a partnership with private Internet providers for countywide service. The county was recently awarded a $55,000 grant from the state tobacco commission for the technical assistance to set up the authority, said County Administrator Kathleen Guzi. The county has also committed $5,000 to set up the authority.
Amherst County became the first Central Virginia locality to form a broadband authority in April — there are fewer than 10 in Virginia.
The board is also meeting in a closed session to discuss a proposal from the city of Bedford that deals with the subject of reversion to town status. This would be the first time in 2009 the full board has met to discuss reversion talks, Guzi said.
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and takes place on the top floor of the county administration building at 122 East Main St. in Bedford.
To view the agenda, visit www.co.bedford.va.us and click on the Board of Supervisors.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement