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International Falls continues talks on ambulance funding, staffing as taxing-district option explored
Summary
City residents and councilors debated the future of International Falls Ambulance Service, with public commenters citing staffing shortages and state/county aid; council leaders said they will convene a roundtable to pursue a possible joint taxing district and other options before year-end.
Residents and councilors pressed the International Falls City Council on Oct. 6 about the future of the International Falls Ambulance Service, amid staffing shortfalls, pending EMT training and questions about how state and county aid has been used.
The discussion, raised during public comment by Helen Tweed, focused on chronic understaffing and funding. Tweed said 10 people have signed up for an EMT class that starts Oct. 13 — four from nearby Little Fork — but the class will run through February, after the council has to act on ALS (advanced life support) staffing and funding decisions.
City leaders told the meeting they are exploring a joint powers taxing district covering a 989-square-mile area as one option to stabilize funding. Mayor (speaking in the meeting) explained the city’s accounting: when the ambulance fund runs a…
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