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Finance director reports EMS fund ended 2024 with positive balance; referendum to add two paramedics noted
Summary
Finance Director Jordan Selensky summarized the finalized FY2024 audit and EMS fund status: a $343,905 cash balance at year‑end, outstanding EMS debt of about $600,000 with final payment scheduled for 2029, ARPA and debt levy contributions, and a successful referendum authorizing two firefighter‑paramedic hires effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Finance Director Jordan Selensky presented the commission with a summary of the city’s finalized fiscal‑year 2024 audit and key statistics for the EMS enterprise fund.
Selensky said the EMS fund closed 2024 with a positive cash balance of $343,905 as of Dec. 31, 2024. He said that supplemental funding included roughly $170,000 in federal ARPA funds designated for an ambulance and about $171,000 from a local debt levy designated for EMS debt service; the debt levy contribution totaled roughly $507,000 over several years. Selensky told commissioners that outstanding debt tied to EMS remains about $600,000 and the final payment on that obligation is scheduled for 2029.
Selensky reported the fund’s unrestricted net position was improving and that the successful referendum will authorize hiring and retention of two firefighter‑paramedics effective Jan. 1, 2026, restoring EMS staffing to about 11.67 FTEs (the 2021 level). He estimated a projected year‑end 2025 cash balance of about $500,000–$550,000 and flagged $408,000 in planned capital expenses in 2026.
On the 2022 deficit, Selensky said the department recorded a large allowance for doubtful accounts in 2022 (roughly $800,000–$900,000), which produced a significant hit to that year’s financial results. Subsequent measures included a hiring freeze that reduced EMS payroll expenses, aggressive contracts with townships and clinical partners, and a debt levy transfer that has helped rebuild cash balances.
Commissioners asked for a five‑year line or bar graph showing trends in cash position and unrestricted net position; Selensky said a 10‑year trend exists and he will supply the missing packet materials and graphics as requested. He also recommended the commission evaluate rate increases based on internal fund position as part of long‑term planning.
No formal change to rates or levies was adopted at the meeting; Selensky said the city does not currently intend additional levies for 2026 but the matter remains open for discussion and further review with finance and the city administrator.
