Bonner County EMS seeks to address rising costs with new fee adjustments

Bonner County officials are grappling with the pressing need to increase emergency medical service (EMS) fees, a topic that dominated a recent government meeting. The discussion highlighted the financial strain on the county's EMS operations, particularly regarding the costs associated with providing services to non-residents.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the current intercept fee of $288 for non-residents, which many officials believe does not adequately cover the expenses incurred by Bonner County when responding to emergencies involving individuals from neighboring states, particularly Montana. One official emphasized the need for a more sustainable financial model, stating, "We are absorbing the cost," and suggested that the fee for out-of-state intercepts should exceed that of local residents to reflect the true cost of service.

The board acknowledged that fees for medical services have not been adjusted since 2020, despite rising costs for supplies, medications, and fuel. A proposed increase of 15% was discussed, but some members argued that this figure does not accurately represent the cumulative inflation over the past five years, which they estimated to be closer to 23%. One board member noted, "If we want to get closer to where costs have really risen, we need to look at the cumulative impact."

As the board moves forward, they plan to reevaluate the fee structure in a year to ensure it aligns with actual costs and service demands. The urgency of this discussion reflects a broader challenge facing emergency services in rural areas, where funding and resource allocation are critical to maintaining effective operations. The anticipated fee adjustments aim to bolster the financial health of Bonner County EMS while ensuring that emergency services remain accessible to all residents and visitors.