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Submittal of FY 2024-25 State Department of Health Emergency Medical Services Grant Application for Hernando County Fire and Emergency Services
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Florida Department of Health announced its 2025 application cycle for the annual Emergency Medical Services Matching Grant. This grant allows counties to apply for projects that provide or affect direct services to emergency victims, training projects, or other quality assurance, management or administrative needs.
Hernando County Fire and Emergency Services (HCFES) is requesting to purchase four stretcher cots utilized in ambulances. Stretchers are an essential piece of equipment for emergency services and currently cost $39,672 for each cot (not including the base, which is purchased with the ambulance). HCFES has identified an immediate need for three stretchers, for a total cost of $158,688.
The application is still being written at the time the agenda item was submitted and a blank copy is therefore attached. Should the County be awarded the grant, a budget resolution and acceptance agreement will be brought before the Board at that time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Florida Department of Health requires a 25% match of the total cost to be paid through non-grant funds. Matching funds in the amount of $39,672 have been budgeted in the FY 2024-25 budget and are available in Fund 1691, EMS fund. A budget resolution will be submitted, if an award is received. If the grant is awarded, the remaining $119,016 needed for the purchase shall be provided through the Florida Department of Health. The grant match funds are available in:
Fund: 1691 - HC Fire Rescue-Rescue, Department: 02491 - HC Fire Rescue-Rescue, Account: 5999078 - Trnsf-Grant Match.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to act on this request in accordance with Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached grant application upon its completion and direct staff to submit the application to the Florida Department of Health for consideration.