City approves probationary ambulance contract with STEC

By JOE BOCANEGRA
Special to the NEWS

ambulanceSan Benito City Commissioners unanimously approved a probationary contract with South Texas Emergency Care (STEC) of Harlingen on Tuesday during their regular city meeting.

Commissioner Joe D. Gonzalez made the first motion and Mayor Pro-Tem Antonio Gonzalez seconded.

The contract, which provides for ambulance service, is set for six months and is at no cost to the city. According to Assistant City Manager Art Rodriguez, if at any time the commissioners find reason to terminate the contract, they can and will requests bids for a replacement.

“The contract has every latitude for review by this commission at any point,” Rodriguez said during the meeting. “It also will be subject to a monthly or bi-weekly review; however you would like to see this. The final word of this contract and its approval are with this commission.”

The reviews will consist of extensive information for each 911 call, including delays, relaying of information, times of travel and reasons of the calls themselves.

At the moment, the agreement consists of service provided by just one ambulance.

“According to the zoning coverage by STEC,” Rodriguez said, “part of the city is already under Zone 7.”

Zone 7 ends on Oscar Williams Road, which means that any persons living north or west of the street is already covered by said zone. The headquarters for the other ambulance is yet to be decided; although, Rodriguez suggested the old fire station on Reagan Street.

Still, the contract will not take effect until the commission passes Ordinance 2297-A, which already underwent its first reading during the meeting. The ordinance is a revision of Ordinance 2297, dealing with minimum requirements regulating ambulance and EMS providers, giving rules of eligibility, insurance requirements and an effective date.

“From time to time, we update the ordinance,” Rodriguez said. “This not only covers STEC’s need and the city’s need, but any other EMS provider afterwards.”

Read this story in the March 20 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2013/03/19/city-approves-probationary-ambulance-contract-with-stec/

1 comment

  1. I Smell a bunch of cow paddies. Why would theCity Commision give STEC a six month probationary contract?Did they not give MR.LARA a three year contract and a ten thousand dollar raise without a probationary contract.THAT IS MESSED UP!!.But it is not MR.LARAS fault it’s the HONERABLE CITY COMMISSION that is ALLOWING him to take advantage of the TAXPAYERS MONEY. By the way MR.ART RODRIGUEZ was approved for the pickup he requested so he can drive around town and look important at the TAXPAYERS EXPENSE.THANK YOU HORERABLE CITY COMMISSIONERS.

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