Commissioners debate county subsidy for Fort Leavenworth ambulance service and executive‑session comments

Commissioners discussed a multi‑year negotiation aimed at addressing the county’s subsidy of ambulance service to Fort Leavenworth and whether county negotiators handled parts of that process appropriately.

A commissioner who said he did not vote with the board on a prior Fort Leavenworth agreement summarized his remarks at a public meeting and declined to discuss details that had been handled in executive session. Other commissioners said the county has been negotiating for several years to secure a financial arrangement to offset the county’s subsidized emergency medical service to the post.

Commissioner Jeff explained the county’s position in detail, noting the county collects property tax revenue only and argued that Fort Leavenworth’s local economic contributions (jobs and local spending) are not the same revenue sources that fund county general services. Jeff said EMS costs borne by the county are paid from property tax revenue and that Fort Leavenworth’s presence does not replace that obligation. He urged continued negotiation and suggested the county request clearer contract terms from Fort Leavenworth.

Other commissioners said they would consult legal counsel before discussing specific executive‑session items publicly. No formal action was taken at the meeting; commissioners agreed that further discussion and a returned contract would be appropriate for more in‑depth review.