Bourbon County Commissioners are scurrying to find a replacement ambulance service after Mercy Hospital Fort Scott announced Monday it will close on Dec. 31.

On Wednesday, commissioners held a special meeting to discuss the direction they wish to take.

The meeting began with a 7-minute executive session to discuss information regarding a contract. After the session, commissioners voted to begin advertising immediately for bids for an ambulance service.

At the same time, commissioners agreed to also look at the feasibility of providing a county-owned ambulance service.

“We’ve already started the process with fact finding and financials,” Commission Chair Lynne Oharah said.

(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)