County Board, Ambulance Service Announce Settlement "In Principle" on Lawsuit

The Effingham County Board and Altamont Ambulance Service have reached a settlement "in principle" in lawsuits they filed against each other, a process that has gone on for almost three years.

The ambulance service filed suit against the County Board after the Board passed a measure allowing other ambulance services to help with transfer cases. The ambulance service contended they have exclusive rights to such transfers in almost all cases. 

The County Board later filed a countersuit, alleging violations by the Ambulance Service of the County's ambulance ordinance.

Attorney Chris Koester, who has represented the County Board in the case, said, "The parties are pleased to announce a settlement in principle. We can't comment on the specific terms until the documents are executed. At that time, a joint release will be issued to the press and to the public."

The announcement followed a close to two-hour hearing between the attorneys, the parties and Judge Allan Lolie.

The County Board has already scheduled a special meeting for Friday at 3:30pm to meet in closed session to discuss litigation; likely the terms of the settlement.