Floyd County will have new EMS provider, prepares to cut ties with New Chapel EMS

FLOYD COUNTY, Ind. — Floyd County, Indiana will soon have a new EMS provider.

With roughly 65 days until Floyd County's contract ends with New Chapel EMS, the commissioners voted 2-1 to move forward with a one to two year contract with a new provider, AmeriPro Health.

"It's not the cheapest solution but I think it's a very reasonable price to pay to restore public trust and confidence in a service that has been rocked over the last several months," Al Knable, president of the Floyd County Commissioners, said

This new contract will cost the county about $1.5 million annually for three ambulances and a quick response vehicle.

John Schellenburger was the only commissioner against the proposal.

RELATED: 'This is not who we are as an organization' | New Chapel Fire and EMS adopts new rules in wake of Jamey Noel investigation

"We've had 11 providers here in Floyd County over the many years okay, we need to go with something different; we need to go with a fire-based EMS," he said.

The Floyd County Commissioners board were facing three bids; two EMS proposals and a fire-based ambulance service.

In the end they ultimately agreed it was time to end ties with New Chapel EMS after seven years.

The service provider was founded by former Clark County sheriff Jamey Noel who's now accused of misusing company funds.

"The new administration has done what they can, I think as what was said earlier, a lot of baggage," Knable said.

Residents addressed their concerns and options they wanted to see.

RELATED: 'Where's the ambulance?' | Clarksville pushing to start its own EMS to dramatically improve response times

One first responder also advised the board to go with the fire-based EMS service through Highlander Fire Protection District.

Knable said all the fire departments need to come up with a plan in order for a fire-based EMS service to work.

Now, he said it's up to the Floyd County Council to approve funding with AmeriPro Health.

"If they outright say we don't have the finances and accounting to put this contract together as written, then I really need to know from them what options we have financially," Knable said.

WHAS11 contacted New Chapel EMS for comment after the Floyd County vote and has not heard back.

The Floyd County Council plans to have a funding meeting next week.

Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.

Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.