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The Decatur County Commissioners met Friday morning for a work session in regards to the upcoming split with Grady and Decatur County EMS. The two EMS services have been anticipating this split since last year, with Grady officials previously stating that the initial arrangement worked well, but increasing logistical differences between the two counties made it no longer feasible. This work session was specifically to hear presentations from two candidate EMS service vendors that would contract with the county once the Grady deal ends, those being AmeriPro EMS and Survival Flight EMS.

Multiple members of the Decatur County EMS were present for the work session, with them and the commissioners both asking questions of both company’s representatives during the session. Some of the questions asked included whether or not the services would attend local events such as Rivertown Days and sporting events, as well as whether or not they would enter into a separate contract with the hospital, along with questions about benefits, insurance and pay, to name a few.

The commissioners did not vote on the matter after the session; according to county administrator Alan Thomas, the issue is also not likely to be voted on at this month’s next commissioner’s meeting either.

“My preference is to let this board digest the information they’ve heard today, and then give us direction as to if they’re prepared to enter into a contract,” he said. “We need a little time and I don’t wanna rush it.”