International Falls council authorizes letters, forms steering committee amid ambulance-service uncertainty

The International Falls City Council on Monday evening authorized a formal letter to St. Louis County asking for discussion of an ambulance taxing district, approved a two‑member ambulance steering committee and directed staff to contact state EMS authorities about whether the city could convert from its part‑time advanced life support (ALS) license to basic life support (BLS) only if paramedic service is no longer available.

The action came at a special meeting called by the mayor to continue council discussion on ongoing ambulance service problems in International Falls and the surrounding primary service area (PSA). The council voted unanimously on three motions: to draft and send a formal taxing‑district request, to form or reassign an ambulance steering committee, and to send an official letter asking state EMS officials whether a shift to BLS‑only service would be permitted and what the consequences would be.

Why it matters: council members and residents said the ambulance service shortfall could require a taxing district or other local funding and that the city needs clarity on licensing and regulatory effects before making operational changes or approving major capital purchases. Councilors and residents also discussed options for acquiring three ambulances the city has on order and whether refurbishing older units is feasible.

Council action and immediate direction

The council approved a motion by Councillor Holden, seconded by Councillor Wagner, authorizing the mayor…