According to a report by the Crossville Chronicle, At the Crossville City Council work session, discussions focused on establishing a city-owned ambulance service under the fire department, prompted by Fire Chief Chris South’s report that 80% of fire department calls are medical. Financial Director Nathan Clouse previously estimated a 30-cent property tax increase to fund the service, based on consultations with Mount Juliet’s financial director and a billing service.

Councilman Mark Fox proposed exploring grant funding from the Gary Sinise Foundation, which supports first responders, and invited freelance grant writer Anna Hamilton to discuss federal and private grant opportunities, including those available through the Crossville Fire Rescue Foundation.

South outlined a three-phase implementation plan: phase one involves certification and purchasing a used ambulance for $120,000, plus three new units for $1.3 million; phase two includes hiring 18 paramedics and advanced EMTs in January 2026, with personnel costs totaling $1.1 million for half the year; and phase three launches patient transport by July 2026. Equipment costs are estimated at $225,000, with a first-year total of $3.2 million and annual operating costs of $2.6–$3 million, partially offset by $2.7 million in expected revenue.

Mayor RJ Crawford noted the county’s EMS service loses $2 million annually, with half its calls from the city, suggesting a city service could absorb $1 million of that loss. However, the county may withdraw ambulances stationed in Crossville if the city proceeds, raising concerns about taxpayers funding both services.

Dr. Thomas Allingham from Cumberland Medical Center supported the initiative, citing the county’s large geographic area and the need for rapid EMS response for critical care programs, and expressed interest in serving as medical director. The council postponed voting to explore funding further and will decide on the grant application soon.