Othello council approves dispatch service agreements
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 11 months AGO
The Othello City Council approved new dispatch service contracts for the Othello Community Hospital ambulance, pictured, and Adams County Fire District 5.
FILE PHOTO
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | May 2, 2023 5:22 PM
OTHELLO — If all agencies approve the interlocal agreements, the city of Othello will continue to provide dispatch services for Adams County Fire District 5 and Othello Community Hospital, but the cost will go up. Othello City Council members unanimously approved dispatch agreements with both agencies Monday.
“This three-year agreement includes an increase of 8% in 2023, and 3% in 2024 and 2025,” David Rehaume, Othello Police Department assistant chief, told council members. “This increase is necessary due to our increased costs for personnel.”
If approved, ACFD 5 would pay $9,918 for dispatch services in 2023, $10,215 in 2024 and $10,522 in 2025.
“Did (the fire district) agree to this?” asked Othello Mayor Shawn Logan.
“I think they’re in the process, I don’t have a signed (interlocal agreement),” Rehaumne said.
Othello Community Hospital has a separate agreement with the city. The agreement amount also was increased by 8% in the first year and 3% in the following two years.
“I think the hospital did agree to this,” Logan said.
Rehaume said hospital commissioners had approved it.
The hospital will pay $20,778 for ambulance dispatch services in 2023, $21,401 in 2024 and $22,044 in 2024, if the agreement is approved by all parties.
The Columbia Basin Herald will follow up to verify that the agreement was accepted by all associated agencies.
Cheryl Schweizer may be reached at [email protected].
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