Lewiston City Council approves new ambulance service contract with Nez Perce County

In a significant move to enhance ambulance service funding, the Lewiston City Council approved a new contract with Nez Perce County during their meeting on July 14, 2025. This decision comes after a thorough review of the existing agreement, which had been in place for nearly two decades but lacked clarity on financial calculations and reimbursements.

The previous contract had left the city covering a substantial gap between the costs of providing ambulance services and the funds received from the county. Chief of Emergency Services highlighted that the city taxpayers were effectively subsidizing ambulance services for county residents, which raised concerns about fairness and sustainability. The new contract aims to address these issues by establishing a more transparent and equitable billing system.

Under the revised agreement, the city will no longer return transport revenue to the county, allowing Lewiston to retain these funds to support its emergency services. The new formula for billing is based on objective criteria, ensuring that costs reflect current operational realities rather than outdated figures. This change is expected to generate approximately $500,000 annually, which is crucial for maintaining staffing levels within the fire department.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the new rates, with some questioning whether the costs adequately reflect the readiness and availability of emergency services. However, the Chief reassured the council that the new structure is designed to be fair and is backed by thorough audits and evaluations.

In addition to the ambulance service adjustments, discussions also touched on the need for potential discounts for city residents, who pay both city and county taxes. This proposal will be revisited in future meetings, as council members seek to ensure that local taxpayers are not disproportionately burdened.

The approval of this contract marks a pivotal step in aligning the city's emergency services with its financial realities, ensuring that both city and county residents receive fair and effective ambulance services. As the council moves forward, they will continue to explore ways to optimize service delivery while addressing the financial implications for the community.