In a special-called meeting Friday morning, the Cleveland City Council voted to reserve the right to provide exclusive ambulance services to city residents. The 5-1 vote was made days after Cleveland and Bradley County voiced desires to stop providing joint fire services for the fringe area surrounding the Cleveland city limits.
Currently, Bradley County Emergency Medical Services provides Cleveland residents with ambulance services. During Friday’s meeting, EMS Director Danny Lawson made a heartfelt plea for the city and county to continue cooperating on ambulance services, as he stated that Bradley County EMS has served the city well for decades.
“We’re worth more when we work together than when we work separately,” said Mr. Lawson. Mr. Lawson went on to commend the men and women who work for Bradley County EMS, stating, “This is not a job. This is a life of servant hood.”
Though the majority of the City Council voted to keep exclusive citywide ambulance services on the table for discussion, one City Council member voiced his concern over the potential outcome of breaking with the county in multiple arenas at once.
“The city doesn’t need to take on an ambulance service. I realize we’re trying to make up a loss of revenue from the failure of the city and the county to come together on the fire services,” said City Council member Richard Banks, who voted against the resolution. “I urge all of you to consider strongly the message this sends.”
The County Commission will vote Monday on whether to split with the city and create a county-only fire department, and the Cleveland City Council will continue discussion on exclusive city-wide ambulance services on Monday, Aug. 10.