WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE LEASE-TO-OWN PURCHASE OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

  

Washington County Commissioners agreed today (Tuesday) to purchase medical equipment for the EMS Department through a lease-to-own agreement.

EMS Director Kevin Deramus said the intent of this is to maintain fiscal stability year-to-year when purchasing life safety equipment like stretchers, monitors and CPR devices, so that the department can avoid having to make several costly purchases at once.

Deramus said the county’s budget discussions brought about the creation of a capital equipment plan and a budget line item where money can be set aside each year, allowing EMS equipment to be updated on a schedule. 

The equipment is being leased from Stryker at a cost of $181,998 in six annual payments, with an option to buy out the equipment in a seventh payment.  According to Deramus, the county is budgeting $200,000 so it can build up funding each budget cycle, especially once the department is able to purchase equipment at the end of its lease.  Commissioner Kirk Hanath said this will mean there is always funding set aside for future needs.

County Judge John Durrenberger said the budgeting consistency provided by this agreement will be “a real plus for us”, while also allowing the EMS Department to keep its equipment updated.

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:

• Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division fronting Spring Creek Road, consisting of 14.75 acres in Precinct 2.
• Discussed a formal notice from Corix Texas Utilities for a new service line installation across the county right-of-way of Palestine Road in Precinct 1.  No action was needed.
• Discussed a formal notice from Industry Telephone Company for fiber installation along the county right-of-way of Schoenemann Road in Precinct 4.  No action was necessary.