International Falls reviews ambulance licensing options after state EMS letter

International Falls officials discussed the future of the International Falls Ambulance Service at a special City Council meeting Aug. 25 after the Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services responded to the city's inquiry about ambulance licensing. Mayor Dale read aloud an Aug. 21 letter from the state Office of Emergency Medical Services saying, "Minnesota statutes chapter 144E does not provide an avenue for a licensed ambulance service to surrender a license once granted. The service may, however, apply for a license to offer a new type of service under section 144E.11 or transfer ownership under section 144E.14." The letter also noted that International Falls Ambulance currently holds a basic life support (BLS) license and a part-time advanced life support (ALS) license that are valid through Dec. 31, 2026, and that the BLS license requires 24-hour, year-round coverage. The council's discussion focused on options laid out in the state letter and on regional cooperation to maintain full-time ambulance coverage. The state letter stated that, at renewal, the ambulance service could renew only the BLS license and allow the part-time ALS license to expire; it also said the service could choose not to renew any license and discontinue service effective Jan. 1, 2027. Mayor Dale described the letter as informational and said the city had previously sent letters to neighboring municipalities and counties to seek regional support. Chief Manasseh said the new letter appeared to conflict with information the city received in 2021 and asked whether the policy had changed or the city had previously received incorrect guidance. "I feel like I've been lying to the council for 2 years now or 3 years because this is not the information we were given in '21," Chief Manasseh said, adding he would try to locate the 2021 correspondence. Council members and county representatives reported ongoing outreach. Mayor Dale said Koochiching County will be represented by Commissioner Roach and Commissioner Sjoblom in discussions, and that St. Louis County has expressed interest in establishing an ambulance district to guarantee full-time service in areas including Kabetogama, Ash River and Ash Lake. Mayor Dale said Koochiching County had drafted a letter to the Rainier City Council and that county officials planned to present to Rainier as soon as practical. Administrator Bergstrom advised that the county board meeting where the topic will be discussed is expected to be tomorrow with a remote location in Big Falls. "I believe the county board meeting is in Big Falls tomorrow," Administrator Bergstrom said, providing a scheduling clarification for anyone planning to attend. No motions, votes, or formal decisions were recorded at the special meeting. Councilors discussed follow-up outreach to the state EMS office and county partners; Mayor Dale and council members said staff and local officials would continue fact-finding and coordination. Councilor Dennis Wagner and Councilor Holden noted urgency and said they were working with county officials on related issues. The meeting concluded without formal action. The council adjourned at about 5:43 p.m. and noted an unrelated 6:00 p.m. open house on the city band shell rebuild.