By Anton Riecher
Former Precinct 4 County Commissioner Jerry Beck took the oath of office Oct. 9 to become the newest member of the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 4 Board of Commissioners, the focus of much recent controversy regarding local ambulance service.
Also, ESD4 EMS director Jason Miller provided an update on negotiations with Allegiance Mobile Health to continue providing ambulance service after plans by ESD4 to operate its own ambulance fleet were abandoned in the wake of public opposition.
With only two other board members present, a quorum permitting the meeting to be held was established once Medina County Judge Keith Lutz administered the oath to Beck. Board president Anthony Martin and vice president Viola Potter were the only other board members on hand.
Beck asked if taking the oath meant he would not be allowed to speak as a private citizen during the citizens’ comment portion of the agenda.
“I was going to speak … as a private citizen and address the despicable and underhanded, cowardly manner in which actions by this board were carried out,” he said. “But I said I wouldn’t so I’m not.”
Allegiance Deal
On the Allegiance negotiations, Miller said the Allegiance will continue to provide service throughout the district using ambulances initially acquired by ESD4 to replace the third-party service provided by Allegiances under a contract with two years left subject to annual renewal by the board.
“After the last meeting (the board) voted to extend with Allegiance and work with Allegiance,” Miller said. “Allegiance is going to operate our ambulances.”
In response to questioning by district resident…
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