BENTON COUNTY (KFSM) -- After city voters struck down a measure to pass EMS service, Benton County has now found a way to provide emergency ambulance assistance for its southeast area.
"Everybody coming from town is benefiting from the service of having it out here so it's not just for the county residents, we respond to a lot of emergencies for people that don't live out here during the summer months," said Marc Trollinger, Benton County director of fire services.
Mercy Hospital of Northwest Arkansas is now helping cover the area, reaching a one-year agreement. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place Tuesday morning (Jan. 5) in Hickory Creek.
The change comes after Springdale decided to pull back its EMS services from servicing the southeast portion of the county.
The agreement between the county and Mercy Hospital will cost about $1.5 million, to be funded through Benton County budget and taxpayer money.