Supervisors debate how to distribute EMS funding; no change yet

The Gage County Board of Supervisors discussed whether the county's annual EMS funding formula should be restructured to distribute funds more equally among rescue and ambulance providers.

"Just because an ambulance responds to less calls does not mean that ambulance costs less," Supervisor Haxby said, describing a concern that historical allocations bear no clear formula. Haxby noted past comparisons showing uneven allocations relative to call volume and proposed distributing existing EMS dollars equally among entities that operate ambulances, while giving smaller amounts to rescue organizations that do not operate ambulances.

Board members discussed possible allocation methods, including basing funding on call volume or equal per-ambulance payments. Several supervisors cautioned that basing funding strictly on call counts would create an annual reevaluation burden, and others stressed differing cost structures for volunteer versus paid services.

The discussion included the point that professional ambulance services from Beatrice and Lincoln can provide advanced life support on a contractual or billed basis; attendees noted varying billing practices and write-offs that affect net revenues.

No formal change to the EMS funding formula was adopted. Supervisors asked that county staff and the law enforcement/emergency management committee continue to gather financial and operational data from local providers and consider convening a meeting with all affected providers to identify an allocation approach. Several members said they wanted the committee or a dedicated meeting at least six months ahead of next year's budget cycle if changes are to be implemented.