Council defies mayor

City council defied Mayor Bob Duffy Tuesday night voting to extend their contract with Rural Metro rather than changing to a new ambulance company as Duffy had wanted.

A panel of experts put together by Duffy recommended Monroe Ambulance as the company best prepared to serve the needs of the city. That came despite the fact that Rural Metro had been in place for 19 years. Tuesday night though, city council voted to extend the contract with Rural Metro, citing no substantial differences between the proposals of the two companies.

Duffy said he was disappointed council ignored the process.  Lois Giess did vote against the rest of council siding with the mayor.

The ambulance contract is worth between $15-$20 million.

Monroe Ambulance Vice President Thomas Coyle said the company felt robbed and will now look at their legal options.

Rural Metro General Manager Barry Palatas said he was relieved and that city council made the right decision.

The mayor has 30 days to act on the legislation.