Spring Hill, Tennessee – City leaders are sounding the alarm over a growing disagreement between Maury and Williamson counties over who will pay for emergency medical services (EMS) in the city that straddles both county lines. The dispute threatens to lengthen ambulance response times by two to four minutes, a delay that could prove critical for older residents and families with young children.
Mayor emphasizes public‑safety priority
Mayor Matt Fitterer explained that maintaining rapid EMS response is a non‑negotiable priority for the community. “I know the demographics in Spring Hill skew older on the Maury County side,” he said. “To knowingly have them face a two‑ to four‑minute longer response time is something I’m fearful of.” When asked if he worries about the impact on residents if a funding agreement is not reached, the mayor answered without hesitation, “Yes, I absolutely do.”
Residents share concerns
For 78‑year‑old resident Randy Haman, who lives near the county line, quick EMS access is a matter of personal safety. “EMS is very important. I want to get the EMS as close to me as possible,” Haman said. “A longer wait is not something I’m willing to accept.”
Other locals echoed the same sentiment. “I have small children. I want this fast response time,” Spring Hill resident Rachel O’Roark said. “This is the bare minimum response time for saving lives.” O’Roark added, “There might be some way to meet in the middle, in good faith, some way to compromise.”
County funding positions
More than half of the EMS calls to Spring Hill originate from the Maury County side of the city. Williamson County officials argue that the cost of those calls has risen sharply and have asked Maury County to share the expense.
In response, Maury County’s Budget Committee approved a short‑term continuation of $750,000 in funding for Williamson County EMS for another six months. The full Maury County Commission is expected to vote on a longer‑term solution on Monday.
Mayor Butt outlines fiscal reality
Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt noted that the city has historically received EMS services from Williamson County at no cost, but that arrangement is no longer sustainable. “For many years, Spring Hill has had Williamson County EMA ambulance service at no cost to us,” Butt said. “The cost of providing services has skyrocketed in the last few years and Williamson County was no longer willing to continue subsidizing the Maury County portion of Spring Hill in perpetuity.”
Butt added that the timing of the decision—mid‑budget cycle—creates additional challenges. “They were gracious in extending some time, and last night the Maury County Budget Committee passed a resolution to continue subsidizing Williamson EMA in the amount of $750,000 for six months while we work toward our 2027‑2028 budget,” she said. “In making our decision in the next few months, we will certainly consider the safety of the residents of Spring Hill as we strive daily to do for all of the taxpayers in Maury County.”
Looking ahead
The two counties are now tasked with finding a lasting financing model that preserves the city’s current EMS response standards. Community members and local officials alike stress that any compromise must keep response times within the current range to protect seniors and families.
Spring Hill residents remain hopeful that a mutually agreeable solution will be reached before the next budget cycle, ensuring that the city’s split‑county status does not compromise health‑and‑safety services.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
