Pafford seeks 5-year extension with Pike County; Quorum Court approves 6-month extension
Last week the Pike County Quorum Court held a special called meeting.
The purpose of the special meeting was to address the problems that Fire Chiefs and the Sheriff of Pike County are currently experiencing with Pafford Ambulance Service Provider before a new contract is given.
Pike County Judge Eddie Howard opened the floor for Fire Chiefs of Pike County and the Sheriff of Pike County to voice their concerns about the issues they are having.
Pike County Sheriff Travis Hill asked Pafford representatives what they were going to do about the communication because that’s one of the main issues that they are having.
Director of Operations John Gray stated that in the process of taking over Pike County he said they moved everybody over to AWIN radios for the whole state of Arkansas, but it was a lot more work than he expected.
Sheriff Hill even recalled a moment where they ran into a communication issue.
After hearing the concerns from Sheriff Hill and the fire chiefs of Pike County, Chief Operating Officer Clay Hobbs suggested setting up a meeting once a month.
Gray said that all issues would be addressed in a timely manner and he expected full radio communication to be functioning within 2 weeks. Gray also stated their plan is to tie in all the radio systems together in the ambulances and he also discussed when they are planning to start the monthly meetings.
Although Pafford is wanting to extend their contract for another five years, Judge Howard made a recommendation to do a 6 month contract. This would give Pike County a chance to see if Pafford can right these wrongs and allow them time to get everything back on track.
Justice Paul Baker made a motion to give Pafford a 6 month probationary contract with the same contractual obligations currently in place. Justice Jerry Fendley seconded and the motion passed 8 to 0.
A review of Pafford’s services will be done in 3 months, giving Valor EMS to prepare if a new ambulance service provider is needed.
