The Clay County Commission postponed a resolution to transfer a surplus truck to the Clay County Volunteer Rescue Squad following questions regarding the organization’s membership and recent operations.
The proposed transfer involves a 2006 F-350 currently held by Clay County Emergency Medical Services. Commissioner Bryan Coons said he heard rumors regarding alcohol use on rescue squad boats.
“While we got a crowd tonight, and the public would just like to know and I’d like to know because I don’t know and I’m just curious if what I’ve been told and I do not believe all I’ve been told,” Coons said. “I hope it’s not true.”
Coons said it was unclear if the department had lost members as well. The organization had maintained 11 active members and operates under stringent bylaws designed to ensure accountability.
Joseph Strode was recently elected as the rescue squad captain and would be the appropriate person to address specific operational concerns.
The rescue squad is a legal governing body that remains open to the general public for all regular meetings.
Commissioner Parrish Wright said the commission should delay the vote to allow for further discussion during a future meeting. Reagan said the county previously approved the rescue squad’s updated bylaws after past inconsistencies were identified.
“This resolution is to transfer some surplus property to the Clay County EMS, from the EMS to the Volunteer Rescue Squad,” Reagan said. “But let’s, let’s just go ahead and postpone this until the next meeting if that’ll please the court, and we can, if you guys would come back.”
The Clay County Commission voted to reschedule its next regular meeting for September 14.
