Agreement needs approval by Sidney City Council, Morrill County Hospital Board

SIDNEY -- Morrill County Community Hospital EMS is the favored new provider for ambulance service in Cheyenne County.

Proposals were opened this morning in the Cheyenne County commissioners meeting.

Regional West EMS announced earlier this spring it will not be renewing its agreement with Cheyenne County. Regional West's contract expires on June 30.

Regional West completes its contract the end of this month, June 30.

Shannon Odiet, EMS Coordinator for Morrill County Community Hospital, said the proposal is because Sidney and Cheyenne County is Morrill County's neighbor, and Morrill County is willing to help.

"We're not here because it's a money-maker. We're here because it is the right thing to do," Odiet said.

He said ordering new ambulances takes one to two years. 

"Due to the way ambulances are being acquired right now, I have one on order that I order last fall and I'll receive the first quarter of 2025. If I order one today, I'll see it in 2026. The used market is way overpriced. When I took over at Morrill County we had a used ambulance that we paid $30,000 for, and I sunk $35,000 into it in one year, and it was out of service 280-some days," Odiet said. "So, the used market is not really viable either. Sidney has assets that are already here."

He said due to the short notice, Morrill County Community Hospital will have to partner with Cheyenne County to meet the deadline.

Odiet said in his proposal to the county Morrill County will not be seeking a subsidy for providing ALS (Advanced Life Support)  service.

The commissioners convened into an executive session to discuss the two proposals, also meeting with Sidney City Manager David Scott and Finance Director Lane Kizzire. 

Returning to the public meeting, Commissioner Randy Miller said the commissioners are proposing a memorandum of understanding between the City and County. The MOU would help Morrill County purchase the two ambulances currently in Sidney. 

"The two physical units, Morrill County Hospital will pay for the equipment on those, but we will assess them with a loan to buy the ambulances. Morrill County Hospital will pay us back -- its under negotiations because it will also have to go through the City Council. What we're proposing is that we get paid back five equal installments over five years, at 0 percent interest," Miller said.

The commissioners approved the proposal 3-0. The agreement will also need approval by the Sidney City Council and Morrill County Community Hospital Board. 

Priority Medical Transport of North Platte submitted an agreement where Cheyenne County would be billed $75,000 quarterly. In exchange, Priority will provide "Basic Life Support (BLS) a minimum response, or Advanced Life Support (ALS) when available to respond to 911 calls," according to the proposal. 

Priority also expects Cheyenne County to provide crew quarters and an ambulance barn.