Start-Up Time Line...              

September 20, 2002	TMH announces intention to discontinue EMS services.
October 22, 2002	Leon County Board of County Commissioners holds a Workshop to review the existing EMS system.  The Board creates the EMS Advisory Council (EMSAC) to assist in addressing this issue.
January 28, 2003	Board holds Workshop to review EMSAC findings and recommendations.  Board directs staff to develop a contract with Tallahassee Fire Department to provide EMS services.
February 25, 2003	Board approves retention of the Fitch Group for development of a business plan for TFD to provide EMS.
June 11, 2003	Board holds a public hearing to adopt an ordinance creating a county wide Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) for EMS.
June 12-23, 2003	County and City staff meet to review the Consultant’s report on EMS and to negotiate a County/City Contract for EMS.
June 24, 2003	Leon County Board unanimously approves creating a County-run EMS Department, with dispatch provided by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and to issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) for TMH to continue EMS through December 31st.
June 25, 2003	The City Commission approves the EMS MSTU for one year.
July 1, 2003	The Sheriff’s Office determines the communications/dispatch needs for the new County system.
July 8, 2003	Board approves EMS Implementation Plan and Budget.
September 23, 2003	The Board selects a billing/collections firm and directs staff to negotiate a contract for these purposes.
October 14, 2003	The Board holds a Workshop to review the status of the County’s new EMS program and to tour new facilities for EMS headquarters.
November 4, 2003	The Board approves new System Status Management Proposal utilizing six to 10 ambulances county-wide with three 24 hour/7 day-a-week ambulances deployed at three County fire stations and three to seven 12-hour shift roaming ambulances.
December 31, 2003	Last day under existing contract for TMH to provide EMS services.
January 1, 2004	Leon County successfully transitions EMS from TMH.