HEATHER BOA Bullet News GODERICH – A comprehensive review of how the county’s emergency medical services (EMS) is organized was requested by Huron County Council, during a closed door session this week.
It’s closed door decision comes after a report on county governance delivered in May 2012 recommended a review of the county EMS function by the end of 2013. The report by George B. Cuff and Associates also recommended that any management or supervisory positions vacated during the year be left vacant until reviewed by the department manager or CAO. However, in the 64-page executive report released to the public does not address why the review should be done. Councillors received the longer 220-page report during closed door sessions held May 22 and 22, 2012.
Following this week’s closed door session, which was billed as discussing a personnel issue, council debated whether to ask George Cuff and Associates to continue to work it began in the governance report or to put invite other consultants to submit criteria for the work.
Coun. Tyler Hessel said suggested going back to the three consultants who bid to complete the governance report, a bid that was won by George B. Cuff and Associates.
“I think it’s important that we’re as transparent as possible. Why don’t we throw it out and see what the criteria will be back from every one of them? If they want to the job, they’ll let us know,” he said.
According to county policy, a contract can be reinstated or extended when it’s cost-effective.
Council made no decision on setting the criteria or hiring a consultant for the review.
