Bonner County seeks $65000 refund for EMS tax reporting errors

The Bonner County Budget Workshop held on June 2, 2025, focused on addressing financial discrepancies and potential funding opportunities for the county's Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Key discussions revolved around a significant error in tax filings that affected multiple quarters, leading to penalties that the county is now seeking to waive.

During the meeting, officials highlighted that EMS had filed reports incorrectly, resulting in a failure to meet tax payment deadlines. This miscommunication caused delays in payments, which were not processed until after the due dates. As a result, the county incurred penalties that they are now contesting. A request has been sent to the relevant authorities to waive these penalties, and the county has received a refund for some previous payments, although responses to ongoing inquiries remain pending.

Additionally, the discussion included the potential for securing $65,000 in funding to support EMS operations. Officials expressed optimism about pursuing this funding, indicating that it is worth the effort to alleviate some of the financial burdens caused by the earlier tax issues.

The meeting also touched on the need for further review and assistance from the prosecutor's office to navigate these financial challenges effectively. Overall, the workshop underscored the county's commitment to resolving these issues and ensuring the continued support of essential services like EMS. Further steps will be taken to address the outstanding penalties and secure additional funding as discussions progress.