One notable issue discussed was the financial burden the ambulance service currently places on the city’s general fund. The service has been operating at a deficit since its transition from a basic life support (BLS) model to an advanced life support (ALS) model in 2012, leading to increased operational costs. This financial strain has resulted in the ambulance service borrowing from the general fund, a situation highlighted by a letter from the city auditor. The letter warned that treating these advances as loans is misleading, as repayment is unlikely given the service’s current financial state. A council member emphasized the need for a plan to relieve this burden, proposing a deadline of March 1, 2024, to address the issue and avoid potential bankruptcy.

Several solutions were proposed during the meeting, such as revisiting discussions with surrounding county officials about creating an ambulance taxing district, implementing an area fee similar to the county sanitation fee, and considering a return to a BLS model. The possibility of establishing an all-volunteer fire department or even eliminating the ambulance service altogether was also discussed. The council acknowledged the necessity of a levy increase to sustain the service, though the process and implications of such an increase were topics of concern.

Public comments underlined the community’s reliance on the ambulance service, with residents voicing worries about potential service reductions. Mrs. Ragnarude, drawing from her leadership experience, stressed the importance of maintaining a paramedic service due to the area’s geographic challenges. She argued for the service to operate as an enterprise department, generating its own revenue without relying on city funds, and highlighted the need to address issues with current reimbursement structures from Medicaid and Medicare. Another resident, Rhonda Benedict, pointed out staffing shortages that have impacted the service’s capacity to transfer patients to other hospitals.

The council also considered a motion to form a new committee tasked with engaging local political subdivisions potentially impacted by the proposed ambulance district. This committee would work towards collaboration and securing the service’s future. Weekly special council meetings were approved to provide continuous updates on the service’s status.

The meeting further highlighted the potential consequences of dissolving the ambulance service. One speaker cautioned that without the ALS service, lives could be at risk, stressing the necessity of maintaining paramedic services for timely medical intervention. Another speaker clarified misconceptions about Local Government Aid (LGA), advocating for its allocation to support critical services like the ambulance. The council was urged to consider financial measures, including the establishment of a taxing district, to ensure the service’s viability.

Discussions also touched on the city’s financial commitments towards purchasing new ambulances. The current fleet comprises vehicles dating back to 2015, with one having accumulated 244,000 miles. The council acknowledged the challenges posed by the high mileage and the lengthy wait times for new ambulances, emphasizing the importance of reliable emergency services.

Amid these discussions, a disagreement arose regarding the treatment of a council member, Emma, whose comments about creating a taxing district were interrupted, raising concerns about fairness and respect for city staff.