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MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -The Meridian City Council voted 3–2 Tuesday night to separate from Metro Ambulance Service and move forward with creating a city-run EMS district.
Concerns about Metro’s service have been debated for months. City leaders said Metro has faced slow response times and is often down two to three ambulance units, impacting coverage across the city.
In a separate 3–2 vote, the council also approved entering an agreement with Pafford Emergency Services to provide ambulance service for Meridian.
City leaders said forming an EMS district would give Meridian more direct oversight and control of ambulance operations, including performance expectations and accountability.
UPDATE: Lauderdale County, Ms released this statement regarding the matter on their Facebook page:
Lauderdale County residents unaffected by city ambulance change
Residents living in unincorporated areas of Lauderdale County will not be affected by a recent change in ambulance services in the City of Meridian.
A vote by the Meridian City Council on Tuesday to create its own Emergency Medical Service District is limited to those living inside the city limits. City residents will see ambulance services change from Metro Ambulance to Pafford EMS.
Lauderdale County residents outside the city limits will continue to see EMS service provided by Metro Ambulance.
Kevin Smith, executive director for Metro, said the agency plans to continue its mission to provide emergency care for the residents of Lauderdale County.
“We will continue to operate as we’ve operated and take care of everybody in Lauderdale County,” he said.
