Better transportation for disabled citizens?

Holley is seeking support for efforts to improve transportation facilities for disabled citizens in the 10-county area served by his organization.

“Madison County needs five wheelchair equipped vans,” Holley said. “We have just one such van, and it is not equipped to handle heavier patients.”

Holley said funds have been designated for transportation help but requests for those funds are being ignored. “Where’s the money?” he asked.

Holley told the Hull council that he has talked with members of Madison County EMS and hopes to talk to other city and county officials in the future. He promised to send additional information to council members.

In other matters, Hull’s volunteer fire department has a new truck now in service and has sold the old one. The new truck carries a much higher insurance premium, which brought into question the city’s ability to help with the additional cost. A bill for insurance on the new vehicle was received for over $11,000 to cover the remainder of the contract that expires in March. Because the old truck was sold after the new one was delivered, a refund is due the city, though the amount has not been calculated. The city will pay the balance due and then keep the refund when it arrives.

The city budgets funds to help the VFD with insurance and utilities, but the additional premium is not in the city budget. The council told the VFD that the city can’t cover the higher charge. An additional complication is that the VFD is paying for utilities on its old building, which is now being used for city hall.

The council approved budget amendments to allow for payment of the $5,000 for the county-wide sewage study and the additional fire truck insurance premiums.

City attorney Pat Graham suggested that the city and fire department negotiate a service agreement that lays out the responsibility of each party as a way to clear up any confusion. He agreed to send the council a copy of a similar agreement between the city of Ila and their fire department as a starting point for negotiations.