Good morning,
I wanted to provide an update with regards to Bonanza Ambulance.
On January 3, 2023 Bonanza Ambulance Board requested a meeting with Basin
Volunteer Ambulance Board to discuss how Basin Ambulance might be able to
continue to provide support to Bonanza Ambulance in order to help them meet
their run compliance requirements. During this meeting Tom Ongman
discussed one potential way the Bonanza ASA may be divided up between Basin
Ambulance, Chiloquin Ambulance and District 1. The Basin Ambulance Board
simply committed to continue to be a partner with other agencies to help
cover the Bonanza area if Bonanza Ambulance failed. There was also
discussion about trying to work closer with Bonanza Fire Department for
quick response until an ambulance could arrive on scene. Basin Ambulance
has found this to be very beneficial to our service.
Later that same week Bonanza Ambulance Board met with Sprague River or KDFD
3. I was not in attendance at that meeting but Chief Mike Cook was at that
meeting. I received an update from Chief Friend on 01/16/2023 stating that
Olivia from Bonanza Ambulance Board had reached out to let Chief Friend
know that Bonanza had decided to move forward and merge with Sprague
River. Chief Friend has advised that they are currently in the process of
getting a contract together and both parties are in agreement they will not
take further action until both parties can agree to the terms in the
contract.
It sounds like there is progress being made in the last week or so as
Bonanza has made a decision in what direction they would like to go and is
working with Chief Friend to come to an agreement that will be presented to
the KCAAC at our March Meeting.
I was planning to try and call a special meeting of the KCAAC in February
so we could continue to help Bonanza move forward with a plan of action.
With the latest update from Chief Friend, it is my thought that we give
them the time until the next meeting to discuss the contract terms and be
prepared to submit a solid plan to the KCAAC at the March 1, 2023 meeting.
Bonanza has a long road ahead of them and this merger will not be easy for
either agency but I am hopeful this can be another success story and the
community of Bonanza will continue to have an ambulance in the community.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I will send
updates as I receive them.
Thank you,
Bonnie Overcash, EMT
Basin Volunteer Ambulance Service
KCAAC, President
541-892-4044
