41:55Eric, a representative of the EMS committee, presented a PowerPoint outlining the difficulties faced by Ashby Ambulance, Lake Ambulance, and Opman Ambulance. The issues of personnel shortages and equipment needs have been exacerbated in recent months, leading to regular committee meetings to find solutions. Scott, representing the Herman Fire Department, underscored the importance of EMS in rural areas, stressing that first responders often operate alone for critical minutes, as the nearest hospital is 20 miles away. He advocated for community understanding and support in recruiting volunteers and addressing pay scales for EMS workers. Scott noted a worrying trend of decreased volunteer interest, attributing it to a societal shift away from selflessness.

37:50Chad, a fire chief from another area, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the difficulties posed by long response times and increasing call volumes amid an aging population. Chad highlighted the challenges of recruiting new volunteers, noting demographic shifts in the volunteer base that could lead to a crisis in EMS availability.

45:13The financial challenges facing EMS were also discussed, with a sentiment expressed that the state views these issues as county and municipal responsibilities, leaving rural services to grapple with financial losses without state aid. The disparity in funding between urban centers and rural EMS services was highlighted, with larger cities faring better financially. A detailed breakdown of county funding allocations revealed no specific line in the budget for EMS, raising concerns about the historical isolation of EMS services.

51:18The board discussed the projected expenses for ambulance purchases and essential medical equipment. The cost of new ambulances was cited at around $400,000, and rising prices for cardiac monitors and cots were also noted. Concerns were expressed about the volunteer base’s sustainability, with suggestions that a larger ambulance provider may need to step in if local services fail, imposing a financial burden on the community. A proposal for a sustainable aid package for EMS included a $1,500 annual stipend for volunteers to aid retention and recruitment.

01:01:25A motion was presented to include EMS in the 2025 budget without specifying a dollar amount, acknowledging that further work is needed before preliminary budgets are submitted. The conversation also touched on the importance of designating EMS as an essential service, requiring financial support at both county and state levels. The board discussed the need for collaboration with neighboring counties, as Grant County historically subsidizes EMS services for surrounding areas.

The meeting also addressed the management of funds, particularly a $50,000 allocation, with concerns about potential misallocation due to changes in leadership at various services. A suggestion was made for an annual report to maintain oversight, and the successes of Grant County’s ambulance services were noted, with inquiries from other counties about their effectiveness.

01:20:01In addition to EMS, the board reviewed an Engineering Services agreement with WTH related to a $1.4 million LRIP grant for the reconstruction of County Road 5. The project, estimated at $2.6 million, will require coordination for right-of-way acquisitions. The board also discussed an agreement with More Engineering for culvert construction on County Roads 54 and 2. A yearly bridge inspection agreement with MSA Professional Services was approved, with a focus on training staff member Aaron for future inspections.

01:41:18The board also discussed a contract with the University of Minnesota Extension for youth development programs, set to span three years. The contract, negotiated by the Association of Minnesota Counties, allows counties to determine their investment levels. The current investment in Grant County includes one full-time equivalent employee and an intern support role. The importance of programs aimed at youth and agricultural education was emphasized, with initiatives to help families on SNAP understand better nutrition.