[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6080386,"mediaKeyId","2947462-a2dca206f28665865e85a3022891af0d","parentId",2947462,"title","Lawrence‑Douglas County Fire & Medical outlines service pressures and two budget reduction proposals; commissioners seek joint city–county discussion","audioSeconds",64,"startMs",5714365,"endMs",5778365,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2947462-a2dca206f28665865e85a3022891af0d&start=5714&end=5778","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2947462-a2dca206f28665865e85a3022891af0d/thumbnail_5714365.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6080386/Kansas/LawrenceDouglas-County-Fire-Medical-outlines-service-pressures-and-two-budget-reduction-proposals-commissioners-seek-joint-citycounty-discussion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080386-1bc177e3b91a8a241c857aadb3d8c921/orig.mp4?Expires=1770864570&Signature=ZhOtljs~9sjuzvaQACmQPLR1BwZvNSGfpJMXUm9p7C8MmzIclPkjdwukLEDJJ4J1EJUuV6CGJ82Z1aqIDvMsoH-SsxSNQ0QHbPs2EuLyho1nyWq~cejbjsKZj7S4Oiv6mikHe~WewhFN-LQz6-aTxai~pSvx1DF9Uwy9ZJCo1-pFshsnFg5Ti-nknCo3BseaD-aM9DEihDyjbrFnTWfrYPUfgN~I3ncDE30nxnMU5slUn~RD9UXP-TmdsbdfCe7aMXPsoarzQq-SZJGdzV8Dywo4O~7gyGg0GqB3kTPnfCdO30xNWuovAMCUxVahxgOQgSQq6d5NGSsCNT4qLF03Cw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Douglas County, KS","date","2025-04-10T16:21:06.597Z","article","Lawrence‑Douglas County Fire & Medical (LDCFM) officials presented data to the Board of Douglas County Commissioners on April 9 showing rising call volumes, growing unit use and lengthening emergency response times, and outlined two budget‑reduction proposals that have been discussed with the City of Lawrence.

Acting Fire Chief Joe Hardy and Interim Chief of Staff Mackenzie Ezell told the commission that call volume growth since 2020 had outpaced additions to ambulance resources, that travel and total response times have trended upward in several planning zones, and that the department’s 2024 and 2025 data show increasing pressure on unit reliability. Chief Hardy said a city budget directive led LDCFM to construct proposals in response to a requested $1.9 million reduction in the city’s 2026 contribution.

Chief Hardy summarized the department’s preferred option: remove Engine 5 (a frontline engine in Station 5), up‑staff one ladder truck from three to four personnel, and add an additional medic unit (an additional staffed ambulance). He said the proposed shift would change the city/county cost‑share percentage because of changes in staffing on medic units and would reduce the department’s minimum staffing by one FTE (from 39 to 38) in the short term. “April 1, we were, given a task to give the city … a net net, amount of $1,900,000 cut to the 2026 budget for LDC FM,” Hardy said.

Chiefs described an alternative, deeper‑cut option that would reduce battalion chief positions (from six to three), reduce prevention and training staff and remove a frontline engine; department leaders characterized that option as “drastic” and said it would have greater impacts on incident command, training and prevention capacity.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about the data underlying response‑time changes and about rural versus urban distinctions. LDCFM staff described the metrics they track (alarm handling, turnout and travel time) and said they separate urban and rural planning zones for analysis. Chief Darling (EMS) and other staff described particular strain on ambulances stationed in Baldwin City and Eudora, noting those units often travel long distances and can be out of their primary areas for extended transports.

Commissioners discussed possible mitigations: strengthen non‑emergency transfer policies, pursue payer/partner arrangements (for example Medicaid or hospital partnerships) for certain transports, and pursue additional coordination with KU and other regional partners. County staff and commissioners stressed the need for joint city–county planning and earlier involvement in discussions about service‑level changes and cost allocations. County staff said LDCFM would be asked to provide the county budget office a more detailed supplemental request if the commission is to consider the county bearing increased costs.

Public comment included two LDCFM paramedics who urged the commission to expand ambulance capacity rather than cut units. Simon Stevenson, an engineer‑paramedic with LDCFM, said, “The data before you paints a picture…of increasing call volumes, increasing response times, which in turn lead to increased overall on‑call times and a less reliable system.”

Why it matters: LDCFM provides combined fire suppression and advanced life‑support ambulance services across the city and county. Changes to staffing, apparatus or stationing alter response times and resource reliability for residents in both jurisdictions and would change the county’s fiscal obligation under the current joint governance and cost‑share arrangements.

What’s next: Commissioners asked staff to obtain more detailed, auditable data and asked LDCFM to submit formal documentation and a supplemental budget request that breaks down the county impact. Commissioners also requested that the City of Lawrence participate directly in joint discussions about the proposals before the county finalizes budget decisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Douglas County Commissioners Meeting on April 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","LDCFM presented rising call volumes, longer response times and two proposals responding to a requested $1.9 million city budget reduction; one option would add a medic unit and up‑staff a ladder while removing an engine and shifting county cost share.","taxTitle","County Commission, Douglas County, Kansas","taxId",69828,"location","Kansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6080391,"Mobile Response Team expands dispatch options, logs sharp deployment growth in first year",300,3139145,3439815,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2947462-a2dca206f28665865e85a3022891af0d&start=3139&end=3439","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2947462-a2dca206f28665865e85a3022891af0d/thumbnail_3139145.jpg","/articles/6080391/Kansas/Mobile-Response-Team-expands-dispatch-options-logs-sharp-deployment-growth-in-first-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080391-297a6f774fc340395b91ef72b5eb18a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770864570&Signature=VtFEimqyQa5Doo~u~ieQJhf1SP~kZ3WmWWXIFdpYywZhPUnd1YFx7v4i7ohFgwoAF-2W-NmoYyvHh8WthNUuNb1NG98yqC2GDrcw0YMBfSE~ZVhKX3waRx2yFsTphyqwR1L~su8dX9LatTDd0Kpp5tCzRfU72i-7pX3OgiKD4GW1Nka-04NoQRL0PV4aztwfeFDKw6ntFj7T0csSlZSaqbdaM0j9GJsNiXz3JO7vkgDrVP91e~b6UVHqgfvIonyboWYlEPQr23WZsEt~M20HN8tYzPjK0YbmL-fl0WohV537eKxOafMSsyaEkb1AEU-3ndJBOlZe1wzFkKQGIrWkQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Douglas County officials and Bert Nash representatives told the Board of Douglas County Commissioners on April 9 that the Mobile Response Team (MRT) has expanded how it is dispatched countywide and has shown rapid growth in deployments and coordination with first responders.

Deputy director Sonia Baeza of the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) said the program started field deployment in mid‑2024 with the Lawrence Police Department and later expanded to Baldwin, Eudora, the sheriff’s office, Lawrence‑Douglas County Fire & Medical (LDCFM) and KU Police. Baeza said the team has been integrated into ECC dispatch protocols so referrals can be triaged as routine or urgent and routed appropriately.

“Everything that we did through the GPL process was about these guiding statements to make sure that everything we do is coordinated,” Baeza said, referencing the Government Performance Lab process used to set program guidance.

Ryan Storch, crisis services senior director with Bert Nash, summarized program growth numbers: the MRT was deployed to 743 incidents in 2024, covering 327 unique individuals, and he said the team was “currently on pace to surpass 800 referrals for the year” in 2025. Storch and ECC staff said the program now accepts referrals from 988, non‑emergency calls and 911, and that radio integration in March improved real‑time coordination.

Sonia Baeza and Storch described the team’s composition and operating hours: roughly seven to eight full‑time clinicians, case managers and peer supporters, supplemented by a PRN pool; MRT coverage is 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., 365 days per year. When safe and appropriate, MRT staff will transport clients (or arrange transport) to the Treatment & Recovery Center (TRC); law enforcement remains a transport option when indicated. Baeza noted examples where MRT staged with law enforcement or provided warm handoffs so officers could clear and respond to other calls.

Commissioners pressed staff on response-time trends and rural service. ECC staff said expanding MRT dispatch beyond Lawrence increased travel distances and meant some response times rose slightly as the program grew and staff levels fluctuated; they said coordination has led to a net increase in appropriate, nonpolice responses to behavioral‑health calls.

Officials also described early evidence of system impacts. Storch said local data indicated decreased law‑enforcement bookings related to behavioral health and substance use in some categories, and ECC staff said LMH Health and the county jail were reporting measurable reductions in some utilization metrics. Commissioners asked about funding; county staff said the county provides a subsidy and that state funding supplements MRT operations but may be declining. The county contribution noted in the meeting packet for MRT operations was $445,000 from the mental‑health sales tax to support MRT coverage from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Why it matters: The MRT is intended to provide a nonpolice crisis response option for many behavioral‑health calls, to reduce inappropriate ED visits and jail bookings, and to relieve some demand on law enforcement. Commissioners praised weekly coordination meetings among ECC, MRT and police and said the expanded radio integration and extended hours were important program developments.

What’s next: Staff said they will continue monitoring deployment volumes, response times and outcomes; commissioners asked staff to keep the commission apprised of data trends and funding needs as the program scales.","County staff and Bert Nash briefed the commission on rapid growth and expanded dispatch integration for the Mobile Response Team, which is now accessible via 988, non‑emergency lines and 911 dispatch and is operating countywide with radios and expanded hours.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6080395,"Douglas County Commission approves bonds, plan amendment and quarry site plan; consent agenda passed 5-0",547,685944,1233880,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2947462-a2dca206f28665865e85a3022891af0d&start=685&end=1233","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2947462-a2dca206f28665865e85a3022891af0d/thumbnail_685944.jpg","/articles/6080395/Kansas/Douglas-County-Commission-approves-bonds-plan-amendment-and-quarry-site-plan-consent-agenda-passed-5-0","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080395-e3bd20b8792d0c8c45a46d5e0ed085c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770864570&Signature=NBv96CpwHiiVL2QiiHIstITMbfdVbH~FI32l8GQok7KGW8TPwmcHNQauKGPmQ7ldU2~T9yd~zsqjXyQsxJF3NFHD6vXeLi~OTOjn~8GoT2Bn8RP~0IjZJ7zgjo25x5vavgmgE~U7rQwPh0iFDjVVZk03zle1YAGqbMclN6rOWfI3gVfyDKaJNC8yYxaFSzoqiLJYFK0L3o0egxruB6-Ee8Qx1k2mZpy1eOCG6GpVjfk~gLZAZ7llMn0-j5HSzw-rnD1DMAfhYPCB7tsPkr123K9LPslCR2Iyb5EfQED4mN~aVfs~knjdzOoerrrNptxqLK7VVRdgO3xEr8-FVELckw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on multiple items during its April 9, 2025 meeting, approving the consent agenda and three separate, formal actions: a resolution authorizing the sale of general obligation sales-tax improvement bonds to help finance Judicial and Law Enforcement Center renovations and a Public Safety Building; a comprehensive plan amendment affecting the West of K-10 area; and a site-plan revision for the Hamadora Quarry.

The commission approved the consent agenda, items 2.1 through 2.6, on a 5-0 voice vote after a motion by Commissioner Reid. The items on the consent agenda were not discussed individually during the meeting.

The commission next considered a resolution to authorize the sale of general obligation sales-tax improvement bonds, series 2025-A, to finance part of the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center project and public safety building improvements. County bond counsel Garth Herman told the commission the sale was expected to be about $55,750,000 and would be combined with available county funds to cover an estimated $82,000,000 project cost. He described the sale process and schedule and said county staff and the county’s financial advisor would evaluate bids and return to the commission the night of the sale for award. After brief questions about market timing and flexibility, Commissioner Reid moved approval; the motion passed on a 5-0 vote.

The commission then approved a joint city–county comprehensive plan amendment (AMD T24-1004) to Plan 2040, chapter 8b, amending the West of K‑10 plan’s future land-use recommendation for a site in the Flora Hill area. City–county planner Mary Miller summarized that the site — previously recommended for public and institutional uses — would be changed to medium-density residential with neighborhood-scale commercial, intended to facilitate affordable housing. Planning staff recommended approval; the city commission had already approved the change. The amendment passed 5-0.

A site-plan change for the Hamadora Quarry (SP205-0004) drew a longer staff and applicant presentation. Planner Miller and the applicant explained the proposal would revise quarry phasing and allow the operator to expand phase 1’s mining footprint while preserving required reclamation conditions in the conditional-use permit (CUP). The applicant described operational reasons for adjusted phasing (different limestone layers and safety around utilities) and noted reclamation plans that would leave a large pond when mining concludes. Planning staff recommended approval of the site plan revision; the commission approved the plan on a 5-0 vote.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (items 2.1–2.6): motion to approve by Commissioner Reid; outcome: approved, 5-0.
- Resolution authorizing sale of General Obligation Sales Tax Improvement Bonds, Series 2025‑A: motion to approve by Commissioner Reid; outcome: approved, 5-0. Amount anticipated by bond counsel: approximately $55,750,000; estimated project cost covered in part by these bonds: approximately $82,000,000.
- Comprehensive plan amendment AMD T24‑1004 (Plan 2040, chapter 8b; West of K‑10 plan): motion to approve by Commissioner Willie; outcome: approved, 5-0.
- Site plan SP205‑0004 (Hamadora Quarry phasing revision, 1232 E 2300 Road): motion to approve (mover on the record); outcome: approved, 5-0.

Why it matters: The bond authorization starts a formal sale process that, if awarded as expected, will provide tens of millions in proceeds toward major county public-safety capital projects. The comprehensive-plan amendment clears a land‑use change that staff and the city say will facilitate affordable housing in the West of K‑10 area. The quarry site-plan revision allows the operator to adjust mining phases under existing reclamation and CUP conditions.

What the votes did not do: The commission did not adopt additional conditions beyond those already in the CUP for the quarry, and no new city or county funding commitments were announced in the comprehensive-plan item beyond the planning action. The bond resolution authorizes staff to proceed with the sale process but does not itself select a purchaser; final bid award and closing will follow the advertised sale process.

What’s next: The county will accept bids at a public auction in early May on the bond issue, and staff said the sale could be delayed if market conditions warrant. The city and county will proceed with any subsequent implementation steps for the comprehensive-plan amendment and the quarry reclamation requirements as specified in staff reports and the CUP.","At its April 9, 2025 business meeting the Douglas County Board of Commissioners approved a consent agenda and three separate action items — authorizing a bond sale for courthouse and public safety projects, adopting a comprehensive-plan amendment for West of K-10, and revising phases for the Hamadora Quarry — each passed unanimously 5-0.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6080381,"Public commenters urge more sober‑living options and clearer homelessness metrics in Douglas County",233,720345,953365,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2947462-a2dca206f28665865e85a3022891af0d&start=720&end=953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2947462-a2dca206f28665865e85a3022891af0d/thumbnail_720345.jpg","/articles/6080381/Kansas/Public-commenters-urge-more-soberliving-options-and-clearer-homelessness-metrics-in-Douglas-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6080381-f08c12b454dd4e2ef4e80f24995e4d33/orig.mp4?Expires=1770864570&Signature=fXXAS-QH91i2fofl3Jqb0mZJLOdDD9shOfzSZKg0JO25ZfBq04JxNLvnzt0XkfiMpzGGfeDkHzl0~AQv7f8wtNlcJvJkmGYZmlADXCJgfPduUvgemGP0ee8dsayumjGmAvGi6jh8S8MOMD0Pae8x1YZJuLFFUx~8KbWUx-23q2CLzzA9QcPPC0EhIOMXCWcgmdIb34xfW4G4NCdHlfecc~HPMWm0nqCMLzbuFRpQUaeHs8vbPHnw855hyr0sCmAKfE6wrAPoSuB-B9LGhVV1OCqiTvspd8AHzcf~y0ZVXZLgXzFdwgtaKjnlTdkwPeNQvey3Fxw00oW8Dj4fz~xzqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several members of the public addressed the Board of Douglas County Commissioners during the April 9 general public‑comment period, urging expanded sober‑living housing and better public reporting of homelessness and housing‑program metrics.

Ellen Johnson, speaking at the podium, advocated for more Oxford House style sober‑living residences in Douglas County. She cited comparative numbers — higher counts of Oxford Houses in neighboring jurisdictions — and argued that larger sober‑living homes (8–12 residents) provide cost‑effective social support that reduces recidivism for criminal and substance‑use problems. Johnson recounted a personal experience in which lack of supported housing led a partner to lose treatment access and ultimately become unhoused. “Oxford houses are sustainable,” she said; “they’re largely self‑governing and self‑supporting through rent paid by residents.”

Resident John Imes called for greater transparency about outcomes for county homelessness programs. After reviewing available materials he said the county should publish year‑to‑year, de‑identified metrics that show which of the program’s subpopulations are being served and how outcomes are changing over time. Imes pointed to a county flexible‑housing report and to a chart in a Community Solutions Housing (CSH) report as examples of what can be publicly presented and recommended tracking behavioral‑health outcomes, emergency‑care usage and criminal‑legal involvement for different target groups.

Why it matters: County policymakers and service providers often rely on public comment to understand gaps in service and community priorities. The speakers requested specific policy changes — adding sober‑living housing inventory and improving public, de‑identified outcome reporting — that would require coordination with county housing programs, nonprofits and potential funding sources.

What’s next: No formal actions were taken at the meeting in response to these comments. County staff and commissioners indicated they would take public input under advisement; commissioners have previously supported tracking outcome metrics for housing programs and may follow up through staff requests or future agenda items.","During general public comment, residents urged county leaders to support more sober‑living homes and to publish measurable outcome metrics for homelessness programs. Speakers described local needs, cost‑effectiveness of Oxford Houses and gaps in supported housing and program transparency.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawrence‑Douglas County Fire & Medical outlines service pressures and two budget reduction proposals; commissioners seek joint city–county discussion

Mobile Response Team expands dispatch options, logs sharp deployment growth in first year

Douglas County Commission approves bonds, plan amendment and quarry site plan; consent agenda passed 5-0

Public commenters urge more sober‑living options and clearer homelessness metrics in Douglas County