By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / May 19, 1999

HAHNVILLE – The future of the St. Charles Parish Hospital ambulanceservice remains in question, but the idea of an ambulance service district seems to be almost out of consideration.

Hospital administrator Fred Martinez, during his annual report to the St.

Charles Parish Council Monday, explained that reimbursement formula changes for Medicare and Medicaid to the hospital are forcing cutbacks in several service areas, including the ambulance service.

“We’re trying to adjust the hospital business to that,” Martinez said. “Webegan looking at privatization of the ambulance service, but we’re only in the thinking stage right now.”Martinez said that at current budgeting levels the ambulance service expenses are $300,000 per year greater than its revenue, “but the millage covers that.”Several council members said they had been phoned by local residents concerned about the possible loss of the ambulance service. “A number ofelderly people called me in tears,” Councilman C. “Ram” Ramchandrancommented.

Martinez also spoke as to continued rumors the hospital has already agreed to contract with Acadian Ambulance to provide the service. “Is it adone deal?” Councilman Terry Authement asked.

“Absolutely not!” Martinez replied.

Martinez assured the council, “It would be suicidal for me if we would have lesser service. That’s something we will not do.”The administrator said whatever is done as far as providing ambulance service to the parish, it will be “the same or better” than at present. Headded the present ambulance service is “outstanding.”Marvin Brown, a former hospital paramedic whose son, Ryan, currently works for the hospital, proposed establishment of an ambulance district independent of the hospital service district.

Bond attorney Jerry Osborne explained that to do so would burden local taxpayers with more taxes to pay. He explained that the current taxes paidto the hospital district cannot be reduced, as the revenue is pledged to pay off outstanding bonds.

Besides, he added, establishment of an ambulance district would take action by the Legislature at its next fiscal session, not scheduled until 2001.

Brown also called for establishing a committee to review hospital finances to offer recommendations as to the future of local ambulance service.

“The public is aroused and upset about this,” Brown added. “They don’twant to be jerked around; they want to know the truth.”In other activity, the Parish Council: Heard the annual report from Library Director Mary desBordes, who spoke on computer expansion of the library’s resources, increased participation in children’s activities and plans to expand the East Regional and West Regional branches and build a St. Rose branch.Councilman Ellis Alexander asked her to consider either expanding or building a new Hahnville branch library.

Honored Warence Charles as he retired from the Planning and Zoning Commission after 27 years of service.

Heard a report from MetroVision campaign director Tim McCarthy as part of their request for St. Charles Parish to continue its participation. Renamed Gilbert Drive in Luling to Purple Martin Drive, in recognition of the purple martin habitat in the area.

Postponed action on a rule change in appointing members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Appointed Dee Abadie to the MetroVision board.

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