BAYONNE – The City Council passed a resolution Wednesday night that effectively puts Bayonne’s ambulance contract up for grabs.
The late addition to the meeting agenda authorized City Clerk Robert Sloan to advertise for bids for “ambulance emergency response services,” including emergency dispatch.
The resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.
City Council President Sharon Nadrowski said she was directed by Mayor James Davis to investigate saving money on the contract, currently held by McCabe Ambulance for approximately $600,000 per year. McCabe’s contract has another two years on it, but the company agreed to allow the bidding arrangement, city officials said.
The Jersey City Medical Center has offered to provide the service for free, and charge only for patients services rendered as a result of calls.
Nadrowski said the city is seeking to have a new contract in place in January.
“The hope is that the winning bid is $0,” said Business Administrator Joseph DeMarco. If that is the case, the city could save $1.2 million over the next two years.
City officials had met with representatives of CarePoint Health, the parent company of the JCMC, and McCabe on the topic.
Following receipt and review of the bids, the council will be presented with a report confirming that all proper qualifications and licenses are in place, and a final determination will be made on contract awarding.
The new pact will be for between three and five years, a city official said. – Joseph Passantino
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