Spring Hill officials raise ambulance response concerns amid county funding dispute

A dispute over the cost of ambulance coverage has Spring Hill leaders concerned that some residents could face longer waits for emergency help. Maury and Williamson counties are working through how to fund EMS service in the city, which extends into both counties, while a longer-term arrangement remains unresolved.

More than half of Spring Hill's EMS calls come from the Maury County portion of the city. Williamson County leaders say responding to those calls has become increasingly expensive and have asked Maury County to help cover the cost. The question of financial support has raised concerns about maintaining response times for households on the Maury County side.

Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer said contributing to the service makes sense if it helps keep ambulance response times low. He expressed particular concern about older residents, saying the Maury County portion of Spring Hill has an older demographic. The possibility of those residents waiting an additional two to four minutes for an ambulance worries him. Asked whether he feared for residents without an agreement, he said, "Yes, I absolutely do."

For Randy Haman, 78, who lives in a neighborhood near the county boundary, access to an ambulance is a personal concern. He said he wants EMS as close to his home as possible and would be unhappy with a longer wait. His concerns reflect those of other residents seeking to preserve quick access to emergency assistance.

Spring Hill resident Rachel O'Roark pointed to her small children as a reason fast ambulance service matters to her family. She also urged the counties to seek a compromise, suggesting they could find common ground through good-faith discussions.

Maury County's Budget Committee has approved continuing payments of $750,000 to Williamson EMS for another six months. The full County Commission is expected to finalize the vote Monday. Maury County leaders have not committed to a long-term arrangement, and Williamson County commissioners have expressed disappointment with the committee's decision.

In a statement, Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt said Williamson County had provided ambulance coverage for the Maury County portion of Spring Hill without charge for years. Rising service costs made that arrangement unsustainable, she said, and Williamson County was no longer willing to subsidize the coverage indefinitely.

Butt said the funding request arrived midway through a budget cycle and that Williamson County allowed additional time. The six-month resolution would support continued service while Maury County works toward its 2027-2028 budget and incorporates the service area. She said residents' safety would be considered as the county makes its decision over the coming months.