Thank you for allowing me a few minutes of your time and for your commitment as a public servant. My name is Linda Hayes and I am the Mayor of the Town of White Bluff. I am here to represent our citizens and discuss the recent decision against placing an ambulance in White Bluff.

During a recent county commission meeting, you deliberated the need for an ambulance in White Bluff. Arguments for and against were stated and when the vote was taken, a majority of the commission voted against an ambulance for the White Bluff community with a role of 6-5 against. When word of this was received, needless to say, everyone was shocked by the decision. General consensus and opinion is how could the commission deny an ambulance to the second largest and fastest growing area of Dickson County and how could the commission deny the White Bluff area when the communities of Dickson, Charlotte, Burns, and Vanleer are provided this valuable service?

As we discussed this decision with County Commissioners McMillen and Dawson, Mayor Stone, and EMS Director Steve Manley, your decision making process became clearer and more understandable. Due to the budget constraints that we are all feeling in this downturn of the economy, discussions and votes seemed to center on whether or not to move an existing ambulance from another community in the county – namely Vanleer or Burns – to White Bluff. While I believe that the county commission should always look at ways to provide maximum services in the least political and most cost-effective way to the citizens of our county, let me be the first to say that we in White Bluff do not support gaining ambulance service at the expense of another community until all options have been explored. We are not here to hurt our neighboring communities.

On Thursday, May 28th, White Bluff Vice Mayor Jeff Martin and I met with County Mayor Stone and EMS Director Steve Manley to discuss this situation. We were told the county currently has five ambulances on active duty across the county at any one time with three fully-stocked back-up ambulances in reserve. Each ambulance must be staffed with at least one EMT and one paramedic at all times. We understand that this issue is not about equipment, but about personnel.

We all understand budget shortfalls. We are currently working on our own budget and are having to come up with creative ways and make hard decisions to have a balanced budget. I would remind you that the citizens in the White Bluff area contribute their fair share of county taxes due to population and growth. We will be helping to fund the new jail in Charlotte, the new school in Burns, and reducing the deficit of the county. In return, we feel strongly that we should be provided the same services as the other communities in Dickson County. At this time, we can offer accommodations for an ambulance and personnel in the new Zollie Bibb, Jr Fire Hall at no cost to the county. Until September of 2008, we were unable to make this offer due to extreme space limitations. To remedy this situation the White Bluff council approved design, construction and funds of $652,000 for a building to be used as a fire hall and ambulance station.

During 2008, our fire department and first responders responded to 391 total incidents in the White Bluff area alone. Approximately 90-95% of these calls were medical related, which means they came through the 911 call center and required the service of an ambulance response also. So, I would estimate that an ambulance out of Burns or Charlotte responded to the 350 or so calls alone in our immediate area. This is the most viable number I can give you from any reports we have seen.

Campaign promises have been mentioned in this issue. I can safely say that any person running for office in our town during the past ten years or so have probably mentioned trying to work for an ambulance as well as any county official campaigning in our town. So, yes it has been always mentioned.

In closing, we would ask that the commission bring the issue back to the table for discussion and reconsideration before making any final decision on budget. In your deliberations, please remember that minutes matter in life and death situations for all county citizens.

Once again, thank you for your time and for your service to our county.