SOMERSET, Ky. (March 12, 2024) – Pulaski County Judge Executive Marshall Todd issues statement on funding EMS –
“First, let me just say that our First Responders are extremely important to all of us. We can all agree on that. That includes our 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, firefighters and our emergency service workers. I never want any of them to feel like they aren’t appreciated or seen. At no point has EMS personnel come to us for funding and Fiscal Court not listened and complied. We are listening and want the best outcome for everyone involved. Just in my short time here, we have funded many improvements. That’s in addition to 6 million dollars of funding even in the last 3 years. So, to make statements to the press and on social media that Pulaski County Government is not doing enough and needs to step up is very misleading. We want to assure our citizens that we will make certain that our emergency services will continue and even improve.
We feel that the emergency funding situation the City of Somerset finds itself in regarding EMS is not so much a crisis of funding as it is a mismanagement of resources and focus. The Mayor and I have had lots of discussions on different options to try to reach a solution. Everything from more funding from the county, implementing a taxing district, the county assuming full management and even splitting up the service, which we believe is illegal due to the Certificate of Need. So far, we have not been able to reach an agreement.
We think that the amount of funding being requested by the city without oversight from the court will not improve the situation. Also, creating a taxing district at this time is not appropriate without full knowledge of expenses and income. We also feel that splitting the department into two different agencies would be detrimental to the services that we
have become accustomed to. Therefore, we feel that the emergency funding situation needs re-evaluation.
Today, as we consider the latest ask of extra funding for EMS from the county, we ask that the mayor and city council agree to the following:
- That an independent consulting firm be acquired to study and develop a strategic plan of operation for EMS.
- That a Board of Directors be appointed that fairly represents City and County to see that the plan is implemented.
- That a detailed financial report is given monthly to Fiscal Court and City Council.
- Termination of this agreement must be approved by both Fiscal Court and City Council.
As everyone knows Somerset-Pulaski County EMS has been at the forefront of discussions between city and county in the last several months. Our EMS is one of the most important services that we have here in Pulaski county. We have a group of First Responders that work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our families. We didn’t expect to be here, but now that we are, we will take care of our citizens. Somerset-Pulaski County EMS has been one of the best services in the state. With our help, we know it will continue to be.”
