Clock is ticking as Floyd County leaders still work to find new EMS provider

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- It's becoming crunch time, and Floyd County is still scrambling to secure a new ambulance service provider.

The issue could end up costing taxpayers a lot more money with the possibility of officials voting for a short-term tax on residents to cover a potential increase in the cost of coverage.

Ultimately, the issue circles back to the investigation into former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel.

Noel used to be the CEO of New Chapel EMS, which currently provides ambulance service in Floyd County, outside the city of New Albany, until he was arrested in November 2023. He's now facing 25 criminal charges, accused of stealing millions of dollars from New Chapel, spending it on lavish trips, child support, college tuition for his kids and more.

Because of the financial problems facing New Chapel EMS, officials in Floyd County decided to sever ties with the company and will not continue on with that department as the county's ambulance provider.

As county leaders weigh other options, the harsh reality they're facing is the fact that a new service provider will cost more money.

"We are right at the 30-day mark, and, I tell you I feel bad for the people of the county, sitting here and watching this right now," said Jason Sharp, from the commissioners board.

New Chapel EMS was being paid $220,000 a year by Floyd County. But all of the options now being considered would cost more than $1 million per year to cover the entire county.

It's a situation that has left council members and county commissioners frustrated and, at times, at odds.

"Whatever we do here because of the, I'll call it the distraction .. and you all know what I'm talking about ... It's going to cost the taxpayers of Floyd County close to a couple million dollars more in the next two years than what it should have," Councilman Dale Bagshaw said during a meeting Tuesday.

There are a number of options on the table for the county, including contracting with a private company, adding EMS service at different Floyd County fire departments, or a combination of the two.

But time is ticking. The current contract with New Chapel EMS runs out May 31.

Floyd County officials will meet again next Wednesday.

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