Hull city council frank Gillispie 11-15-2010

Does Madison County need a better system of transportation for disabled citizens? William K Holley, Jr, Executive Director of Multiple Choices thinks so. He presented his reasoning to the Hull City Council Monday night. He is seeking support for efforts to improve transportation facilities for disabled citizens in the ten county area served by his organization..

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

Holly said that funds have been designated for transportation help but request for funding are being ignored. “Where is the money” he asked?

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

Hull’s Volunteer Fire Department has a new truck now in service. They have 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 which expires in March. Because the old truck was sold after the new one was delivered, a refund is due to the city, but the amount has not yet been calculated. The city will pay the balance due then keep the refund when it arrives.

The city budgets funds to help the VFD with insurance and utilities, but the extra premium is not in the city budget and the VFD was told that the city cannot cover the higher charge. An additional complication is that the VFD is paying for utilities on their old building now being used as city hall.

Council approved budget amendments to allow payment of the $5,000.00 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 such an agreement between the city of Ila and their fire department as a starting point for negotiations.