The Scurry County Commissioner’s Court convened on October 29, 2024, to address several key financial matters and project updates. The meeting began with a review of the budget for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) station, which initially projected costs of $4.3 million, funded by $3.43 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $867,000 in pilot payments. However, the budget has since increased to approximately $4.65 million, resulting in a shortfall of about $326,406 after accounting for contingencies.

Ryan, a key speaker during the meeting, provided an update on the ARPA funds, noting that the total available funds currently stand at $4,473,594, with accrued interest contributing to this amount. He indicated that EMS has received approximately $1.7 million in patient receipts for 2024, exceeding the budgeted amount by $700,000. This surplus could potentially be used to cover the shortfall for the EMS station without requiring additional tax dollars.

The court discussed the need for approval of a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) of $4.8 million for the construction of the EMS building. A motion was made and passed to approve this GMP and grant the judge authority to sign the necessary documents. This decision aims to ensure that the project remains within budget and that no further funding requests will be made in the future.

Additionally, the court addressed the use of additional EMS revenues to supplement costs for the station, allowing up to $500,000 to be allocated from patient receipts. This measure is intended to provide financial flexibility while ensuring that the project remains funded through existing resources.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about mobilization plans for the project, with expectations to begin in January or February. The court also briefly touched on an agreement related to a crushing contract with Clint Kimmitt, which will be further detailed in future meetings.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the court's proactive approach to managing the EMS station budget and ensuring that necessary funds are allocated efficiently, setting the stage for continued progress on the project.