American Medical Response ambulances have lost their exclusive contract to provide medical services to Sonoma County. Last month, the county dropped AMR in favor of a cheaper offer from Sonoma County Fire District. AMR is challenging the bid through an official protest. They argue that the fire district improperly used a media campaign that violated the bidding process “gag rule.” They also cite a conflict of interest because one person on the review committee is an unpaid volunteer with Women in Emergency Services, and that organization received a $10,000 donation from a subcontractor in the fire district’s proposal. Lastly, they argue the fire district’s revenue plans may violate the state Constitution by, quote, “imposing an illegal tax.” Sonoma County Fire District Chief Mark Heine tells the Press Democrat that the allegations are without merit and false.