Minutes 07/25/1975 f ,
Naples, Florida, July 25, 1975
LET IT BE KNOWN, that the Fiscal Advisory Council met in
regular session on this date at 9 :30 a.m. in the Courthouse Complex,
Naples, Florida with the following members present:
CHAIRMAN: W. P. Ryan
VICE-CHAIRMAN: Walter Fischer
Donald L. Boyes
Egon Hill
Mrs. David Van Doren
ALSO PRESENT: Ben D. Driver, Deputy Clerk; M. D. Cunningham,
County Manager; Bill McNaulty, Management Analyst; William Walker,
Civil Defense; Robert Wheeler, Health Department; Dr. Arthur Night-
ingale, Emergency Medical Services Council; Brian McCue, Jack
Bridenthal, and Jack Maguire, Ambulance Service Representatives.
Chairman Ryan called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. indi-
cating that all members were present.
COUNTY AMBULANCE SERVICE SUBSIDY DISCUSSED
County Manager Cunningham noted the purpose of this session
was to make recommendations to the Commissioners in regard to the
proposed subsidy for the Ambulance Service.
During the ensuing discussion, the following items were
developed:
1. ) One (1) ambulance in service and one (1)
ambulance in back-up, with both in Naples:
$143,409 .
FISCAL ADVISORY COU_ IL
July 25, 1975
Page 2
2. ) Two (2) ambulances in Naples, one (1)
in Immokalee, and one (1) elsewhere:
should be put into operation this year.
3. ) Effective 1 January 76, Zippo and Golden
Gate services will NOT be licensed.
Mr. Bruce Shannon, the former Chairman of the County Ambulance
Committee, reported and recommended ultimately service should be self-
sustaining. However, presently the County must consider subsidizing
the ambulance service.
There was considerable discussion regarding the necessity of
improving the bad debt situation.
Dr. Arthur Nightingale quoted figures and again specifically
recommended a fourth vehicle be purchased. He also indicated the
potential increased usage of ambulance service if a vehicle were
more readily available.
Jack Maguire stated Alternative #3 could be put into effect,
three (3) ambulances with one (1) back-up, for approximately $145,000.
Dr. Mehta, from the Naples Community Hospital, stated ambulance
service from the- aspect of patient service and care is excellent.
COUNCIL ISSUES FORMAL RECOMMENDATION TO COMMISSIONERS
Vice-Chairman Fischer moved, seconded by Council member Boyes
and carried, that the Council approve the staff budget recommendation
of $143,409 , less an estimated income of $80,000 , for American Ambu-
lance provided, however, that more stringent controls and reporting
be imposed upon American Ambulance. Further, in consideration of
FISCAL ADVISORY CO, CIL
July 25, 1975
Page 3
the present State regulations and trend toward County operation of
ambulance services, immediate steps be taken to further study and
to implement County operation. It was noted that this formal recom-
mendation was unanimously approved.
* * * * *
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by
order of the Chair at 12 :05 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for
August 5, 1975 beginning at 9 : 30 a.m.
W. P. RYAN, CHAIRMAN
FISCAL ADVISORY COUNCIL