A new community paramedic program got its fi rst nod of approval from the Erath County Commissioners Court Monday, April 10.
Emergency Medical Services Director Cary Jackson addressed the court about the possibility of starting a community paramedic program in Erath County
Jackson explained that he had been in discussions with Stephenville Fire Chief Robert Isbell about how benefi cial the community paramedic program had been to the community.
“It has been very benefi cial to them,” Jackson said. “I would like to go ahead and get it started. It will save the county money.”
Community paramedicine is a relatively new and evolving healthcare model that allows paramedics and EMTs to operate in expanded roles by assisting with public health and primary healthcare and preventive services to underserved populations in the community.
Some rural patients lack access to primary care and use 9-1-1 and emergency medical services to receive healthcare in non-emergency situations. This can create a burden for EMS personnel and health systems in rural areas.
For example, a diabetic patient may not need an ambulance ride or a trip to the ER, but rather a visit from a paramedic to make sure they are able to stay on top of their medical care.
“We would be partnered with local healthcare,” Jackson explained. “We will also be partnered with the city.”
When questioned about the cost to start the program,
Jackson said that the salaries would be no more than $70,000 a year and he already had a couple of local paramedics that were interested in the position.
They would also need a vehicle outfitted with some medical equipment, much like what Jackson currently drives, for the community paramedic.
The entire start up of the program is estimated to be about $100,000, with a reoccurring salary each year.
Commissioners were interested in seeing the program move forward but were unsure if it made sense to do it in this budget cycle or wait for the next one.
The program would save EMS at least $1,000 a month, Jackson said.
“I know it would be way cheaper to do this than fund another ambulance,” Commissioner Jim Buck said. “It’s the cost of growth.”
Sheriff Matt Coates said that the vehicle could potentially come from those on order from Defender since the sheriff’s office was able to go ahead and purchase new vehicles.
“We would also have a used one as soon as we get the new ones that they could use,” he said.
The commissioners gave their approval to move forward with the program and Jackson said he would bring a job description for approval in two weeks.
The commissioners also approved a slew of subdivision requests at the recommendation of Subdivision Coordinator Jason Gardner.
Final plats were approved for Oak View subdivision and for 701 Estates MHP. A variance was approved for Sharon Barrenfield who sold a portion of her property to her son.
“She would be exempt through our subdivision regulations,” Gardner said.
Gardner also asked the commissioners for approval on some subdivision ordinance changes.
“We know this is a working document and this will be necessary for time to time,” County Judge Brandon Huckabee said.
Some of the subdivision regulation changes made it not so burdensome to citizens who wish to sell off a portion of their own land to pay for expenses or medical bills.
“We don’t want them to have to pay massive costs associated with this,” Gardner said. “That would defeat the purpose.”
The new language adopted states the following: “A plat is not required if the property owner resides on the parent tract as the owners’ homestead. If the owner lives there then the owner can only separate a tract of land less than 10 acres and more than 2 acres with 200 feet of road frontage once every four years, and no drainage ways greater than 64 acres will drain through the new tract.”
Another portion reads: “The plat is not required if the property owner does not live on the parent tract then the owner can separate a tract of land less than 10 acres and more than two acres with 200 feet of road frontage once every four years, and no drainage ways greater than 64 acres will drain through the new tract.”
“I really want to thank [Joccelyn Perez] and Jason for coming up with this and not being over cumbersome to our citizens,” Huckabee said.
The court also unanimously approved several projects where clearing fence rows and improving drainage was needed on county roads.
Prayers and well-wishes were shared at the meeting for Commissioner Dee Stephens who was not in attendance due to having knee surgery.
In other business, the court: ■ appointed Dana Worrell as a member of Regional Aging Advisory Committee
■ approved a contract between Attorney Ryan Taylor and Erath County to serve as a third attorney at the request of Lisa Pence.
■ recognized Stephenville Boxing Club Champions
■ received an update on AgriLife Extension Services
■ received IRS funds in the amount of $83,618.65 and $85,164.13 for overpayment of payroll taxes.