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Bonner County ambulance leaders warn of late-year revenue gap; plan TAN, seek GEMT reimbursements
Summary
Board reviewed multi-year budget planning and a predicted October–January revenue gap, discussed a likely tax anticipation note, enrollment in Washington GEMT reimbursements and insurance premium uncertainty.
Bonner County Ambulance Service Board members reviewed a multi‑year budget forecast and warned of a cash shortfall that traditionally occurs between October and the January tax distribution.
Chief (Bonner County Ambulance Service) told the board the district’s forecast through October is complete but that the cost of employee benefits remains the largest outstanding input: "Once that happens, then we'll be pretty well locked in." He said the district is forecasting through fiscal 2026 and that, while the end of the October–January gap period is projected to be in the black, he does not want to be that close and expects the district will seek a tax anticipation note (TAN) again this year: "I think we will TAN again."
Why it matters: the district relies on property tax distributions that arrive after a multi‑month gap; the board must plan short‑term borrowing or reserves to cover payroll and operations during that interval.
Board members and staff said they are awaiting a firm health‑insurance premium from the county comptroller and that the answer will materially change the forecast. The comptroller (Jessica) and staff (Shannon) were cited as points of contact for the benefit premium update. Chief said he will report back once the premium is known.
The board also discussed reimbursement streams. The district is enrolled in Washington’s GEMT (ground emergency medical transport) program to recoup Medicaid transport costs for Washington Medicaid patients that Bonner County crews carry across state lines; the chief estimated the district could recover "roughly 50‑something thousand" dollars for the current year from that program. He said the district is also meeting with its GEMT contractor next week to review possible effects from recent federal legislation that could affect GEMT reimbursements.
Board members asked about the timing to notify legal and lenders if the district will pursue a TAN so that legal and financial advisors can be ready during the fall and holiday period. Chief said he expects to have the finalized fiscal‑year numbers and will target October to begin the TAN process.
The board discussed supply costs and critical medication availability. Chief described shifting medication dosing and availability as an ongoing operational risk, saying crews must be advised when drug formulations or doses change. Commissioners said medication cost increases should be included in future budget planning.
Public comment: Wayne Martin, Bonner County resident, urged continued attention to reserves and noted the importance of a contingency to cover the October–January gap. "I do hope that you'll continue to look at that until you get that billion dollar reserve," Martin said.
Next steps: staff will report back on the health‑insurance premium and on the GEMT meeting; the board expects a more detailed TAN decision and staffing/benefits (five‑year) planning discussion at an upcoming meeting.
