David JacksonKIMBALL, Tenn. - As Marion County leaders consider an option that would cover the cost for any county residents who needed an air ambulance flight from inside the county, Kimball's Board of Mayor and Aldermen has decided to extend that city's membership for the foreseeable future.
Kimball leaders signed up last year for an annual membership in the AirMedCare network, which includes Chattanooga's Life Force helicopter, at a cost of $9,750.
"I think it's a super thing that the town has done for the people," Alderman Johnny Sisk said. "It's already paid off once or twice by us providing it."
Since November 2013, two Kimball residents have been flown on Life Force from inside the county.
Those flights would have cost the patients roughly $23,000 each after regular health insurance was applied, officials said.
"If it saves one life [financially], the town has done a good deed," Sisk said.
Marion commissioners are considering a similar plan to cover all county residents for $127,000 annually, but they want to examine the possibility of local municipalities chipping in on that bill first.
County Mayor David Jackson will be meeting with local mayors in January to discuss the issue.
Since county leaders are "exploring the possibilities" of a countywide membership, Kimball Mayor Rex Pesnell said the town needed to go ahead and reinstate its coverage regardless.
The city's annual policy expired last month, he said, but there was a 90-day grace period.
On Thursday, Kimball's board voted unanimously to renew for $812.50 per month.
"I think it's best that we pay it month-to-month until the county decides what they're going to do," Pesnell said.
If the Marion commissioners do not opt for countywide coverage in January, officials said Kimball would to continue its membership in the program.
"I think it's a good thing," Alderman Jerry Don Case said. "I hope we never have to use it, but it's a good thing."
Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.
News report from last year: