Winchester City Council addresses $1.46M EMS budget in urgent meeting

The Clark County Fiscal Court convened a special meeting on May 29, 2025, to address urgent budgetary concerns, particularly regarding the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and 911 budgets. The meeting highlighted significant discrepancies in the projected financial figures, necessitating immediate action to balance the budget before the upcoming deadline.

During the meeting, officials revealed that the EMS budget had escalated from an initial estimate of $800,000 to approximately $1.46 million. This increase was attributed to rising operational costs and adjustments in billing rates for insurance and Medicaid. The county's share of the EMS budget is projected to be around $968,370, with additional capital expenses contributing to the overall increase.

Judge Yates emphasized the critical need for a balanced budget, noting that previous years had seen substantial shortfalls, totaling over $3 million. He expressed concern about the county's financial health, stating that the fiscal court must leave the meeting with a viable budget proposal to submit to the Department of Local Government.

The discussion also touched on the necessity of cutting projected revenues, which had been overestimated in past budgets. The county treasurer's recent estimates indicated a potential revenue shortfall of $500,000, prompting calls for a more conservative approach to budgeting.

As the meeting progressed, officials acknowledged the urgency of the situation, with Judge Yates urging members to take decisive steps to control spending and avoid further financial crises. The court is expected to reconvene soon to finalize the budget and ensure compliance with state requirements.