When we need a service here at The Post or Post Plaza, we first look local.

Looking local, shopping local and supporting local businesses is not something we simply encourage others to do, it is something we do and believe in.

Just the other day, while looking at installing a new piece of equipment in our production department, I commented to someone how nice it was to have an electrician so qualified, so close and would come by at the drop of a hat to answer a question or to offer a suggestion.

When we need something quick to fix something or to replace something that broke — and trust me, with a building this size and an operation this size, that happens — it is a blessing to have choices — both locally owned and franchises — that are right at our disposal.

The local shopping options, local buying options and local services available are not just a luxury, but in operating a business — of any size — they are a necessity.

That is why the thoughts by the Warren County Board of Supervisors to potentially contract with an outside ambulance service to serve county residents — moving away from a partnership with the City of Vicksburg — is so questionable.

Why hire a company not from here, that is not familiar with Warren County, and give them a responsibility so great as to be the first responders to a medical emergency in our community.

And, with the company they have looked at to hire — ASAP EMS out of Laurel — there are just too many unanswered questions, questions supervisors should have asked before getting this close to such an important decision.

There are questions about ASAP’s financial strength and its recent “firing” by Lamar County.

And, there are questions about how long the county has been researching ASAP or any other services. In fact, there is no information the county looked at any other services.

True, it is important supervisors spend our tax dollars wisely. That’s important.

But, simply hiring a service that is cheaper cannot be the only factor. And, when it comes to lives, as would this decision, being cheaper should not even be in the discussion.

In this decision — and with others, particular those of economic development and community safety — Warren County and the City of Vicksburg need on another.

It is important that an agreement be reached that is fair to both, but in the end serves the needs of our community.

The county should not expect the city of Vicksburg to lose thousands of dollars in this deal, nor should the city look to make a profit off the county.

The city of Vicksburg has well-trained and qualified emergency medical teams, who have proven their mettle over and over again.

I would hope, particularly as someone who lives in the county, that a deal between the city and county is quickly resolved.

In this case, as with many others, our best options are those that are local.

 

Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post. You may reach him at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com.