Columbia County commissioners spent a large portion of Thursday’s workshop discussing ongoing EMS response issues, ambulance shortages, and a proposed MSTU funding plan aimed at improving emergency medical coverage throughout the county.
County staff clarified early in the workshop that the proposed EMS MSTU would function as a new taxing unit dedicated specifically to emergency medical services and would be separate from the proposed law enforcement MSTU also under discussion. Commissioners emphasized that unlike the sheriff’s MSTU proposal, the EMS MSTU would represent an increase in taxes to fund expanded ambulance services.
Columbia County officials said AmeriPro EMS, which took over county ambulance operations earlier this year, continues struggling with staffing shortages and response-time compliance. According to county staff, AmeriPro’s urban response compliance improved from 56% in March to 70% so far in May, while rural response compliance has remained around 63–64%. Officials said the company still has not reached minimum staffing requirements outlined in its contract.
Commissioners also discussed recent complaints from residents regarding lengthy response times, including one reported seizure call at Columbia City Elementary School that allegedly took more than 30 minutes for EMS to arrive.
County officials explained that Columbia County currently handles far more EMS calls per ambulance unit than neighboring counties, calling the current system “unobtainable” long-term. Staff presented comparisons showing Columbia County averaging approximately 2,700 calls per ambulance annually, while nearby rural counties average closer to 1,500 calls per unit.
To address the issue, county leaders discussed a proposal to gradually build a county-supported hybrid EMS system by adding two county ambulances initially — one stationed in the north end of the county and another in the Fort White area. Officials said the additional units would improve rural response times and supplement AmeriPro’s existing coverage.
Commissioners also spent significant time discussing workforce shortages affecting EMS services statewide. Officials noted Florida continues facing a major shortage of EMTs and paramedics, particularly in rural areas. Discussions focused heavily on recruiting younger workers through Columbia County schools and Florida Gateway College.
County staff proposed partnering with local schools, guidance counselors, CareerSource, and the college system to encourage students to pursue EMT certifications directly out of high school. Officials said students could potentially graduate high school, complete EMT certification through dual enrollment or one-semester programs, and enter the workforce earning approximately $60,000 annually.
Commissioners repeatedly emphasized that Columbia County must develop a long-term EMS strategy rather than continuing temporary fixes. Several commissioners voiced support for building the county’s own EMS capabilities gradually over time while using MSTU funding to support ambulance expansion and future operations.
County staff said the proposed EMS system would likely operate similarly to enterprise-style funding, with MSTU tax revenues supporting ambulance purchases, staffing, and operations while future billing revenues from insurance reimbursements could eventually offset some operational costs.
Residents can watch the full Columbia County workshop meeting here: