Columbia County has heard that there is some confusion and uncertainty in the community regarding the ongoing Ambulance Service Agreement (ASA) process. To help ensure that residents have clear and accurate information, the County is providing this public update to explain the purpose of the agreements, outline the steps taken to date, and describe the work that remains. 

Clarifying the Ambulance Service Agreement (ASA) Process in Columbia County

We understand there have been many questions circulating about Columbia County’s ongoing process to update our Ambulance Service Area (ASA) Franchises. We want to take this opportunity to provide the public with accurate information, context, and reassurance about this important work.

What does the County have to do with ambulance services?  

Oregon law requires each county to maintain a formal Ambulance Service Plan that meets detailed standards set by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). These standards reflect more than ambulance licensing and include requirements for response times, staffing, equipment, data collection, service coordination, quality improvement, and readiness for large-scale emergencies or disasters.

 After an Emergency Medical Services System Assessment was conducted by Fitch & Associates in 2022, Columbia County began revising its Ambulance Service Plan to meet current OHA requirements. This was and continues to be a collaborative effort.  Public Health brought together fire districts, local providers, and other partners to help develop the Ambulance Service Area Plan. After obtaining approval from OHA, this plan was signed February 2024 and took effect in May 2024. The County has a legal responsibility to ensure the Ambulance Service Plan is enforced.

With the plan adopted, a request for proposal was released in July 2024 to current and potential service providers. Those who applied were provided the ASA Plan and agreed to adhere to the standards. One of these standards was GPS/AVL for ambulances that operate in Columbia County. In rural communities, this feature is of importance for first responder safety and efficiency of dispatch. The County is aware of the costs for this equipment and extended the deadline for this requirement to July 2027 while offering assistance to secure funding.

After review of applications, Public Health provided a letter of recommendation to the Board of Commissioners in October 2024 to award Ambulance Service Area Franchises to the current providers. A draft agreement was sent out in November 2024. In December 2024, fire chiefs and Public Health made the recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for a temporary six-month extension of the current Franchises. The additional time would allow for revisions and adoption of the final Agreement by July 1, 2025.

Franchise orders are not only required by state law, but they are also important for protecting public safety and the safety of the agencies that hold them.  The orders establish who is authorized to provide service and make it unlawful for those without orders to respond to calls in another provider’s service area.

Is the County working with local providers?

Yes. The County has worked extensively with local fire districts and other service providers over many months to incorporate feedback, address concerns, and revise the proposed agreements. Drafts have been shared, and many of the provisions reflect direct input from these discussions. The County’s goal throughout has been to continue partnerships with our current providers while ensuring the system as a whole meets the necessary standards for public safety.

Is the County forcing out the fire districts?

No. The County’s objective is to continue service with its respected partners while ensuring compliance with the Ambulance Service Plan. Recently, the County reminded agencies that have not signed agreements that current franchise orders expire on June 30, 2025, and signed agreements must be submitted by June 10, 2025, to obtain new orders.

At this time, Metro West Ambulance, a private contractor currently serving Vernonia, is the only provider that has signed an agreement. As part of contingency planning, Metro West has also confirmed its ability to maintain ambulance service throughout the County, if necessary, including ambulance numbers, staffing, and capabilities comparable to current service levels. This planning ensures uninterrupted service in the event of a disaster, agency failure, or if providers are unable or unwilling to sign agreements. All providers, whether private or public, are held to the same standards.

Why is this important to the public?

Ambulance services are a vital part of our emergency response system. As the landscape varies over the County, so does the way these services are administered.  Having local oversight and input into these services is key. These agreements help ensure that no matter where you are in the County, ambulance response will be timely, medically equipped, and coordinated with other emergency services — even during major incidents or disasters.

As members of this community, we are grateful for the level of service our first responders provide. Our loved ones are in their hands when disaster strikes. This is not a reflection on the quality of care they offer. This is about clear expectations for all those held responsible and working together towards a common goal.

We remain committed to ongoing dialogue and transparency as we move forward. Thank you for your continued interest and engagement.

For more information about the ASA, please visit [https://columbiacounty.info/ASA_2025].

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