The Hockley County Commissioners Court met Monday to discuss EMS services in unincorporated areas near Ropesville, recognize National 4-H Week, and hear the monthly public assistance report.
Commissioners agreed to propose a one-year agreement with the City of Wolfforth that would pay $450 per EMS run, with payments being capped at $28,000 for the year.
The proposed agreement is intended to maintain EMS coverage in portions of eastern Hockley County near Ropesville, where response times can be affected by the distance emergency crews must travel.
Commissioners said determining a long-term payment structure has been difficult because previous call information provided to the county combined fire and EMS responses. The county would like a full year of data from their runs before figuring out what future agreements should cost.
Under the proposal, Wolfforth would be required to provide documentation for each EMS run submitted for payment. Commissioners said the information would allow the county to track the number and type of calls before reconsidering the agreement next year.
The proposed agreement would run from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30 and apply only to the designated service area discussed by the court. Commissioners are also including a provision by allowing either party to terminate the agreement with a 90-day notice.
County officials emphasized that the proposal is an attempt to continue EMS coverage in the area while reaching an agreement that is financially sustainable for Hockley County.
Commissioners also approved a proclamation designating Oct. 4-10 as National 4-H Week in Hockley County. Local 4-H members attended the meeting to discuss the organization’s work in youth development, leadership, and community service.
4-H members said they will continue their community service efforts later this month by cleaning their Adopta- Highway section in partnership with Keep Levelland Beautiful’s fall cleanup event.
Hockley County Public Assistance reported receiving nine applications during September, with five approved for a combined $600 in assistance. Four applications were denied, including three because applicants exceeded income requirements and one because of incomplete documentation.
In other business, the court approved minutes from its Sept. 28 regular meeting, along with monthly bills and claims submitted through Oct. 5.