Ambulance service reports revenue growth, seeks CDBG-like grant for a new ambulance

Harkland County's ambulance leadership told the commission the service is averaging roughly 400 calls per month and has exceeded $1 million in revenue year-to-date while continuing to recruit staff and address fleet repairs.

Assistant Ambulance Director Matt reported the service runs a six-vehicle fleet but currently has four vehicles in service because one was wrecked and another is at a dealership for warranty work. The department runs four units during daytime hours and three overnight. He said full-time staffing stands at 20 employees and the department is adding part-time paramedics and emergency medical technicians.

Grant and capital needs: The ambulance service has applied for a federal grant (described in the meeting as a CDBG-like grant administered through a community block grant program) with a maximum award around $420,000 and that requires community survey signatures as part of the application. The service seeks to use the grant to add a new ambulance and replace urgent capital equipment.

Why it matters: The report shows increased call volume and revenue compared with the prior year and outlines pressing fleet and staffing needs. Commissioners and staff discussed the application process and other potential funding, including opioid-settlement-related funds that might support certain positions or analyses later in the budgeting process.

Next steps: Ambulance staff will continue recruitment, pursue the grant and return with updates as application milestones are reached. Commissioners thanked the ambulance staff for service and asked for further updates on staffing levels and the grant application status.