THOMASVILLE — Thomas County commissioners are seeking proposals on methods to save money on Thomas County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) operations.

Citing a $1 million-plus loss, commissioners voted 7-1 in March to consider privatizing the service, a private billing service and consolidating some services now provided by EMS and Thomas County Fire/Rescue.

EMS’ 2017 budget is $3.2 million, with a cost to taxpayers of $1.8 million.

On Thursday, requests for proposals went to billing companies and to private companies for EMS operations.

Proposal requirements are on the Thomas County Commission website for others who might be interested in submitting proposals.

“Some companies offer both services,” said Commissioner Mark NeSmith, commission emergency services committee chairman.

Proposals are to be submitted by May 26. Tentatively, commissioners will approve a proposal by July 1.

“It’s not a quick, off-the-cuff decision,” NeSmith said. “There is a complete study being done with concrete numbers.”

In March, NeSmith attributed the difference in EMS’ 2017 budget and the cost to taxpayers to salaries, cost of services and uncollected revenues.

EMS has about 40 employees. If the agency were privatized, personnel would be employed by a private company.

“This is no reflection on personnel,” NeSmith said Friday. “We have superior personnel.”

Service will not be jeopardized, NeSmith added.

Lower millage might result from a change, commissioners said earlier.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820