Ambulance service thrives following town meeting and oil boom in Berthold

In a recent meeting of the North Dakota Legislature's SB 2033 Conference Committee, community leaders discussed significant developments in local emergency services and infrastructure, highlighting the impact of the oil boom on their township. The meeting, attended by approximately 50 participants, focused on a SWOT analysis that revealed both strengths and weaknesses in the community's emergency response capabilities.

One of the key issues raised was the inadequacy of the existing garage for the ambulance service, which was described as too small for effective operation. This prompted discussions about securing funding to enhance emergency services and attract more volunteers to the fire and ambulance teams. The establishment of a tax district was a pivotal step in this process, coinciding with a dramatic increase in tax valuation due to the oil boom, which surged from $8.5 million to $20 million in just one year.

The influx of investment from companies like Enbridge and Santosh Solutions significantly contributed to local development, with substantial funds directed towards infrastructure improvements. However, the meeting also reflected on the volatility of the oil industry, noting that speculative housing projects intended to accommodate incoming workers ultimately fell through when the boom subsided.

Despite these challenges, the community has made notable progress. The township now boasts a well-equipped emergency services building and a growing team of responders, including eight full-time EMTs and 22 volunteer drivers. The recruitment of younger individuals into the EMT workforce signals a positive trend for the sustainability of emergency services in the area.

As the community continues to navigate the complexities of economic fluctuations and infrastructure needs, the discussions at this meeting underscore the importance of strategic planning and community engagement in addressing local challenges. The next steps will likely involve further efforts to secure funding and enhance the capacity of emergency services to meet the needs of a changing population.