Fresno County requires a new Emergency Medical Services center and American Ambulance, which oversees ambulance services for Fresno and surrounding counties.

However, on Tuesday the county's Board of Supervisors decided to wait on taking American Ambulance up on its offer.

American's contract with the county runs through 2017. The supervisors are worried that by allowing Americans to build the emergency communications center would offer the company at least the appearance of an inside track in the selection process.

American Ambulance officials are ready to take the risk that they would not win the bid to build a $7.5 million, 15,925-square-foot project. The proposed building is going to be more than double the size of the existing site, which is on the southern edge of the Fresno Fairgrounds.

Todd Valeri General Manager said that American could lose the right to provide ambulance service. However, the company that earns the business would still require a modern setting for dispatchers and office space.

On Tuesday he told supervisors, "I am absolutely willing to commit to this project, but it has to be the will of the county and what's seen as best for this Emergency Medical Services system and that's really your decision".

Supervisor Henry R. Perea said the county has been trying to get the project ongoing for four years. He is in favor of the plan for American to build as soon as possible.

According to Perea, the center needs to expand. The cost will only continue to rise and American can do it for half what the county would have to pay.

Supervisor Brian Pacheco said that although he supports Perea's concept, the timing isn't right since the county will soon ask for bids for ambulance services.