Board adopts budget amendment to cover ambulance fund shortfall, authorizes repayment plan

The Keith County Board of Commissioners approved a budget amendment adding $100,000 of spending authority to the county ambulance fund and documented a plan to finance the appropriation from unencumbered cash and a transfer from the inheritance tax fund.

County staff explained the amendment as a transfer of spending authority: the amendment increases ambulance fund authority by $100,000 while reducing spending authority in inheritance tax or other internal balances so the net county cash position is unchanged. The board and staff discussed repayment timing if a short-term transfer was used; commissioners authorized flexible repayment language allowing repayment over several years if needed, with staff to return with a formal resolution specifying terms.

The amendment language offered that expenditures be covered from unencumbered cash balances, revenue sources and tax levies as allowed under state statute. The board voted to adopt the amended budget resolution by roll call; the transcript records the motion and unanimous roll-call approval.

Staff said they will formalize the repayment structure (discussed options included one- or multi-year repayment) and will return with final language for record-keeping and audit.