City and County negotiate resolution on 911 billing errors and EMS charges

In a pivotal discussion during the March 19, 2025 EMS Joint Committee Meeting in Clark County, Kentucky, officials from both the city and county reached a consensus to move forward without assigning blame for past financial discrepancies. The meeting highlighted a significant miscalculation in 911 charges that resulted in an overpayment of approximately $134,000 by the county, which had not been properly documented due to an unsigned agreement.

The committee members emphasized the importance of honoring their partnership and proposed to "call it even" for the past two fiscal years, allowing both parties to reset their financial obligations. This decision aims to foster goodwill and collaboration moving forward, rather than getting mired in disputes over historical errors.

One committee member noted, "Let's just move forward," reflecting a shared desire to avoid a lengthy and contentious review of past agreements. The discussion also touched on the need for better communication regarding capital expenses, which had caught some officials off guard when they received unexpectedly high bills from EMS.

While some members expressed concerns about fairness, particularly regarding the county's financial burden, the overarching sentiment was to prioritize future cooperation over past grievances. The committee agreed to operate under the 2021 agreement, which they believe will streamline operations and prevent further misunderstandings.

As the meeting concluded, the focus shifted to ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted correctly to avoid similar issues in the future. The decision to reset financial obligations is expected to pave the way for a more collaborative relationship between the city and county, with both sides eager to work together for the benefit of their community.