Treutlen County Considers New Ambulance Service Options
During their regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, the Treutlen County Board of Commissioners considered options for new ambulance services that would include having two ambulances to serve the community.
County Manager Joseph Glenn spoke about the need of having two ambulances instead of just one and explained that with one ambulance the response time is longer. Glenn added that running only one ambulance puts a strain on the first responders and it also requires the county to call for mutual aid from other counties. According to Glenn, mutual aid was called on 42 times in 2025 and 5 times so far this year. Some counties are now denying mutual aid requests.
Glenn presented the board with a comprehensive and detailed breakdown of three options to resolve the issue. The first option is to add a second ambulance through Navicent EMS, which is the current provider for the county’s ambulance service. If the county contracts with Navicent for the second ambulance, they would be responsible for staffing.
The second option would be to purchase two ambulances and hire staff to operate them. This option would place the entire operation in-house and offer the county greater control. County Attorney Jimmy Garner noted that it would also place the county at the highest degree of liability.
The third option would be to purchase two ambulances and contract out operation services. The ambulances would be owned by Treutlen County, but the staffing responsibilities would be handled by a second party. Glenn added that although some options were more expensive than others, all options would require funding from the county. Glenn stated, “There’s no way we’re going to be able to do any of them without a need for more funds.”
Glenn mentioned the possibility of implementing an ambulance tax to fund the services. Glenn told the board it would take 12 months to receive an ambulance once it is ordered, therefore, the cost of whichever option the board chose would come out of next year’s budget. He said he would like to hold town hall meetings to allow the citizens to hear about the change in their ambulance service and to give their feedback. He asked the board to consider all options and make a decision at next month’s meeting.
During the Public Comments portion of the meeting, Deborah Ferrare with the city’s chamber of commerce asked the county to share in the cost of the fireworks for the upcoming July Jam. The board approved $5750.00 for this project.
In other business a resolution was approved to establish a board for the Resiliency Operation Center which would include all five members of the county commission board.
The commissioners approved the extension of Fran Watts’ appointment to the Treutlen County Board of Family and Children Services. Watts, currently a member of the board, whose term will expire on June 30, expressed the desire to continue to serve.
Treutlen County Board of Family and Childrens’ Services budget was approved for July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The board approved the 2026-2027 contract with the Middle Flint Council on Aging, this contract is for the senior center and the services it provides. Emergency Management Agency Director Justin McNure spoke to the board about the need for emergency support trailer and a side by side vehicle. McNure stated the trailer would be a mobile command trailer, and although it is an Emergency Management Department item, it could be used across all departments to help with disaster response, search and rescue and other needs the sheriff’s office, fire department, dive or drone teams might have. The cost of the trailer would be $10,000, and after questions and discussion, the board approved the purchase with the money coming from SPLOST funds. McNure said the side by side vehicle like the trailer would be housed at the Emergency Management Department but would be used across all departments as needed and could also be utilized in a nonemergency capacity.
Fire Chief John Johnson spoke in support of both items. McNure said the side by side could be purchased locally from Sportsman Corner for $5000.00. After questions from the chairman, the board approved both purchases using SPLOST funds.
County Commissioner Rodney Meeks spoke about his desire for the board to start holding monthly town hall meetings to give the public opportunities to give feedback about what they would like to see happen in the county. The board discussed and agreed to the idea with dates to be announced.
The board reviewed and approved two business license applications. PJ’s Florals and Gifts, LLC and Mowers Than Mower Service and Repair, LLC.
The Financial Report showed the following balances as of June 2026. Regular Account – General Fund $5,627,919.58 (this balance includes the five million that is restricted to hurricane debris removal), Certificates of Deposit $421,622.15, LMIG $796,084.78, 2019 SPLOST $152,586.08,2025 SPLOST $627,577.78, Crime Victims Assistance Fund $237,659.95, Drug Abuse Treatment Education $28,233.18, Federal Drug Seizure Fund $21,865.10, State Drug Seizure $71,727.99, E-911$498,914.46, Jail Reserve $60,489.90, Treutlen/ Wheeler Landfill $1122.68, TSPLOST $194,619.98 The next regular meeting of the Treutlen County Board of Commissioners is set for Monday, July 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
