The town of Falkville is severing its ties with County EMS and turning to Crossroads Ambulance Service of Somerville as its new provider of emergency transportation services.

The town council voted unanimously to suspend the license of County EMS and give the company a 30-day notice at its regular meeting on Tuesday night. In another move, the governing body agreed to award a license to Crossroads, effective on the date its contract with County EMS lapses.

Discussion of the matter was raised by Councilman David Carroll even though it was not a published agenda item.

“Three weeks ago I attended a meeting in Hartselle for the purpose of considering an ambulance service provider,” Carroll stated. “Interviews were conducted with representatives of County EMS, Crossroads and First Responder-Decatur. A recommendation was made but stalled. This morning a recommendation was made that favors Crossroads.

“I don’t feel good with County EMS continuing to provide us with an ambulance service,” he added. “If we go with Crossroads, I feel like it is in good hands.

“I also attended the Hartselle meeting,” said Councilman Brandon Dillard, “and I’m in agreement with David (Carroll).”

Councilman Alton Hill questioned Carroll about his position.

“Why are we doing away with County EMS?” he asked. “I think they have done a good job.”

“They are supposed to have two ambulances on standby,” Carroll replied. “They have not always done that and there have been other issues with respect to living up to their contract. I wouldn’t want us to be in a position where we would be without an ambulance provider.”

Crossroads owner Candi Hayes told the council that her company has four trucks in service and is looking for two more.

“We’re operating in Somerville, Priceville and Brindlee Mountain now and one of my goals is to expand into Falkville and Hartselle” she stated. “I’ve been in the emergency transportation business for a long time and I know what it takes to maintain coverage.”

She said she would be ready to provide service in Falkville in 30 days and indicated she could provide service sooner if needed.

Town Attorney Larry Madison advised the council it could go ahead and make a commitment to Crossroads but would need to act on a proposed contract at a future meeting.

The Council acted on other matters as follows:

• Authorized Mayor Bob Ramey to execute a contract with TVA for an ARC grant for improvements on Buster Road.

• Approved City Clerk Dawn Estes to attend the annual Court Maintenance Class in Hoover on June 28.

• Approved guidelines for the use of The Source, a town-owned building located at South Park. The building is jointly used by the police department and parks & recreation

• Authorized Mayor Ramey to enter into a contract with Community Consultants Inc. to implement a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

• Approved a contract with Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood to provide engineering services for a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

• Authorized Carroll to pursue an agreement with Leonard & Associates of Cullman for architectural services on a proposed expansion of the municipal building.