The Webster County EMS Advisory Council on Aug. 27 confirmed there is $10,000 allocated for non-transport (first responder) agencies and discussed how agencies can access those funds, invoicing procedures and accountability. The council voted to form a subcommittee to draft recommended language for distributing the non-transport funds.
Council members said the current plan is to handle routine non-transport claims on a net-30 invoicing process and to route invoices through a designated county official — initially county finance or the auditor — until the EMS coordinator is hired. Several speakers said they prefer county accounting to hold and track the funds rather than relying on frequent turnover among small agencies’ treasurers. The council also discussed flexibility for agencies to use funds for EMS-qualifying expenses, including training and equipment, and noted that invoices could be denied if they do not meet the county’s allowable-expenditure rules (one example cited was hotel charges that do not comply with federal/state travel or anti-trafficking guidelines).
The council formed a subcommittee to develop recommended language for distribution and payment processes for non-transport funds. The motion to form the group named Luke, Cassie and Barb as members; the council approved the motion by voice vote. County staff said they will help manage invoicing until the coordinator is hired; tax collection timing suggests funds could be available after county collections are finalized in October, though the council said timing depends on county finance and agreement completion.
Council members and an EMS grant coordinator present noted reimbursement programs already exist for EMT course tuition and supply replacement, and asked that the subcommittee consider whether some funds should be reserved for training reimbursement, vehicle or mileage support for the coordinator position, and other recurring needs.