The county finance committee discussed a proposed $150,000 2025 supplemental appropriation to buy an ambulance for East County EMS, with members split over tapping the general fund rather than existing grant- and gaming-related reserves. Committee members asked administration staff for line-item detail on previously earmarked grant funds and on the status of other disbursements before approving the appropriation.

Why it matters: Committee members said the county has existing funds that have been designated for EMS and other community projects and urged the administration to use those funds before moving money from the general fund. Members warned that drawing on the general fund during budget season could reduce fiscal flexibility.

Committee discussion focused on whether the county should pay the invoice now and seek later reimbursement to the general fund, or instead draw from funds that had already been appropriated but not yet spent. One council member described the choice presented to the committee as “a false choice” if administration could move money from the earmarked account immediately; others worried about establishing a precedent of asking the general fund to cover grants that the administration had not yet spent.

Administration staff explained the grant process: agencies apply for grant awards, identify eligible expenses in the application, submit receipts or payroll documentation, and receive reimbursements up to the dollar amount awarded. Staff said some grants remain awarded but unpaid because projects are still completing required implementation steps or studies. The committee was told that West County EMS previously received equipment or reimbursement awards and that East County EMS may request reimbursement for staffing once the ambulance is in service.

Several council members pressed for more granular accounting: one member said a $1,000,000 allocation from April 25, 2023, had not been fully spent and asked for a line-item accounting of how much of that set‑aside remains available. Committee members also cited previous payments from the same fund, including a $170,000 payment to another EMS provider, and asked for the current balance and outstanding commitments before approving a new transfer.

No formal vote was recorded during the meeting. Administration said it would not withdraw the agenda item; the committee did not adopt the appropriation at that session. Members proposed alternatives including using the gaming-revenue or grant fund balances, adding the request to the regular budget process, or preparing additional documentation showing the funds already committed or spent.

The committee also discussed timing: one member said that if administration demonstrates the funds have been expended or committed, councilors would be more willing to add money later in the budget process. Another member said they would support appropriating additional funds by year end if administration could show the amount actually spent from the reserve funds.