Morrill County Community Hospital Board meets June 20

SIDNEY -- The Sidney City Council Tuesday evening approved an inter-local agreement with Cheyenne County that would help continue local ambulance service.

In April of this year, Regional West EMS advised Cheyenne County it would not renew its contract. The contract expires the end of this month.

The Cheyenne County Commissioners opened two bids on June 5; one from Priority and the second Morrill County Community Hospital. Following review of the bids, the commissioners and Sidney City Manager David Scott and Finance Director Lane Kizzire met in executive session.

Priority's proposal defined its scope of service, and quarterly payments to the company of $75,000. Morrill County Community Hospital offered to offer emergency medical services without a fee. However, because of the tight timeline, the hospital did not have the upfront funding necessary. 

Morrill County Community Hospital would need additional ambulances and equipment to provide service in Cheyenne County. Regional West offered to sell units in service in Cheyenne County for $100,000 each. 

Returning to open meeting, Commissioner Randy Miller announced a proposal that offers a five-year no-interest loan to Morrill County Community Hospital for purchase of the ambulances. The commissioners approved the agreement. 

Tuesday night, the Sidney City Council approved the proposal. 

"Regional West has us over a barrel," Sidney City Manager David Scott said.

According to Scott, between the time line and time it takes for delivery of a new ambulance, this is the best option.