Mitchell staff outline costs and staffing needs if neighboring districts join EMS district

Dan (identified in the meeting as the city emergency services representative) told the council that if neighboring counties formally join the proposed EMS district, the districts would cover the cost of six additional staff so the city could maintain ambulance coverage. "So basically, it's about a $700,000 deal to get 6 more employees," Dan said, adding the staff estimate of about $113,000 per paramedic for next year. "That doesn't include meal allowance, overtime, any of that sort of stuff."

Dan described current operational strain: Mitchell operates four ambulances and at times all units are out on calls, leaving the station uncovered. He said the additional six positions would add one extra ambulance crew per shift (two people per shift) to reduce coverage gaps. "All that is, is just to get 2 more per shift, which is 1 extra ambulance crew per shift," he said. "It has nothing to do with paying the bills."

Council members asked about revenue and cost recovery. Dan summarized billing figures for the previous year: gross billing of $1,740,000 with $658,000 collected in revenue, and a projected shortfall of about $974,000 this year. "So the districts would be covering the cost of those 6 additional staff," he said; "it would kind of be a wash," meaning the additional staffing costs would be largely offset by participating districts' contributions. He emphasized that the staffing change is intended to maintain response capacity rather than to increase call volume.

The council requested a formal presentation at the next regular meeting. Dan and Amy Storm are scheduled to present an abbreviated briefing with solid numbers; Stephanie was also identified as preparing related budget figures. Dan framed the operational urgency by referencing state licensing expectations: he said administrative rules require a licensed provider to meet response-time metrics (he noted a 90% within 15 minutes benchmark and a 20-minute rule within licensed areas) and recounted an instance last year when an in-town resident waited 34 minutes for an ambulance. "To me, that's unacceptable," he said.

Dan said a fifth ambulance purchase might be a future budget discussion depending on outcome and timing of district formation and the county votes. He noted a remounted ambulance cost estimate earlier this year of about $350,000 for remounting and estimated new vehicles could be $400,000–$600,000 depending on size and equipment. The council scheduled a presentation for the next meeting so members can review detailed cost and staffing projections before making policy or budget decisions.