The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to put Smithsburg EMS on probation after the ambulance company notified the county last week it needed immediate financial help.
Smithsburg EMS previously warned the county of its dire financial situation, anticipating it could close its doors by September without assistance.
But Smithsburg EMS President Joanie Gerber sent the county a letter May 8, after the company held an emergency board meeting, stating it only had enough money for one more payroll.
The commissioners didn’t agree Tuesday on the amount for a loan for the ambulance company. Instead, they voted unanimously on a “vote of confidence” that the county will provide a loan by next week to ensure payroll is met. They expect to have a better idea of the loan amount then.
In a separate unanimous vote, they agreed to several points on management of the company outlined in a Division of Emergency Services document.