Glenn County and Orland Agree to Fund Extra Ambulance Service

GLENN COUNTY – In response to growing need for additional emergency medical transport services in Glenn County, the County and City have agreed to an innovative cost-sharing partnership. 

Officials recognized that assisting Westside Ambulance to introduce a twelve-hour ambulance will enhance emergency response, bolstering service capacity during the peak call hours for swifter assistance throughout the county. 

Glenn County is leveraging $275,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase and equip a new ambulance, to be leased at $1/year to Westside Ambulance. Additional one-time startup expenses, like purchase of medical supplies and radio equipment, not to exceed $30,000, will be shared by the County and the City. 

Ongoing operational expenses, thought to be as much as $650,000 per year less unknown reimbursements from users of the service, will be shared equally by the County and City. 

“This is something we’ve needed for long time,” said County Board of Supervisors Grant Carmon, “and it’s great to see a cooperative partnership come together to make it happen.” 

Joint County-City committees have explored the need for service and considered options for years, who and how to pay for it was unresolved until now. 

Orland mayor Chris Dobbs said, "This partnership will cut down on response times and help take some of the burden off of our 100% volunteer firefighters. We are excited and optimistic about this partnership and look forward to the continued support for our local first responders and the quality of care they provide our communities.” 

Westside Ambulance is a private non-for-profit emergency medical transport organization with currently one round-the-clock staffed ambulance operating in its service territory, the greater Orland area. 

The new ambulance will initially operate 12 hours per day, 7 days per week, when call volumes are consistently higher. 

The joint county-city agreement was approved by both legislative bodies in November and agreements are being signed now. 

Orland will utilize revenue from its Measure A Public Safety Fund, a local sales tax adopted by voters in 2016, for its portion of the cost share. 

Sierra-Sacramento Valley Emergency Medical Service Agency (S-SVEMSA), which coordinates and oversees emergency medical services in this region, will help facilitate execution of the cost share agreement.

Additional information can be found in the November 7th Board of Supervisors agenda and minutes:  and the Orland City Council November 20th agenda and minutes:

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For more information contact: 

• Glenn County CAO Scott De Moss: 530.934.6400 
• Orland City Mayor Chris Dobbs: 325.207.8166