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Volunteer fire and ambulance leaders in Southeast County push for volunteers, funding and county reimbursements
Summary
Local volunteer fire and EMS leaders told the board they face persistent volunteer shortages and budget shortfalls, described recent county reimbursements for runs, and said they are considering a local tax measure and other fundraising to sustain ambulance and fire coverage.
Leaders of volunteer fire and ambulance districts in Southeast County told the Inyo County Board of Supervisors that staffing shortages, aging equipment and limited operating revenue are creating strain, and they asked for assistance with recruitment, communications and county payment processes.
Bill Lehi, chief (self‑identified in the meeting) said volunteer staffing is the primary challenge. "Currently, we have 7 volunteers, only 1 of which is the EMT," Lehi said, describing a rise in calls this year. He said the department averages about 50–60 runs per year and had recorded 25 by May, with most calls medical in nature.
Nut graf: Volunteers said new communications infrastructure and county reimbursement programs could help, but long‑term stability will likely require a combination of recruiting, local fundraising and potentially a voter‑approved tax increase in the district.
District leaders described recent improvements and funding: new 9‑1‑1 radio repeaters and testing of equipment to address long‑standing communications gaps, purchase of Starry Mini units to maintain hospital connections in ambulances, and training plans including a local EMT class taught by a volunteer instructor. Robin Plinkton, chair of the Southern Inyo Fire Protection District (SIPD), said fundraising has become an important revenue source and that the district raised close to $20,000 at last year's community event. She described the district's water kiosk operation and said it relies on grants and fluctuating vending revenue and that the district's daily operating budget is tight.
Leaders discussed county-level support: a county program authorized funding to reimburse volunteer districts for runs — speakers described a total allocation and said districts can invoice the county with evidence of runs to claim reimbursement. County staff present said districts should submit invoices and run documentation to receive payments. One county official described a minimum payment of $15,000 for eligible districts as part of the outreach program.
District representatives said they are considering a small increase in their local special tax that funds fire and EMS operations, noting that the tax rate has not changed in more than 20 years while costs have risen. Plinkton said the district has volunteers and public trust but that volunteers are exhausted and the community must weigh whether to approve new revenue to sustain services.
Ending: Fire and EMS leaders asked the board and residents to help with volunteer recruitment and local outreach, and to work with county staff on submitting run documentation for reimbursement. They said they will continue planning fundraising, outreach and training while exploring the prospect of a voter measure as a long‑term funding option.
