Carroll County in dire straits financially

By BRIAN WALLHEIMER, Journal & Courier
bwallheimer@journalandcourier.com

DELPHI -- To say that budget cuts in Carroll County are a matter of life and death isn't a stretch.

Cutting emergency medical services down to two ambulances is still an option, and some officials believe that could leave people without needed medical services in emergencies. Right now, the county has three ambulances. A year ago, it had four.

"I just don't see how you can go down to two ambulances. We just can't do it," said Mike Durr, Carroll County director of emergency medical services. "We routinely, and I would say at least three times a week, have three ambulances going at one time ... sometimes four at the same time.

"It's not if somebody will die -- somebody will die because of this decision."

Carroll County is in dire financial straits. Commissioner Bill Brown said a lack of industry, jobs or any economic growth has dried up revenue for the county.