EMS reports new paramedic hire, vehicle repairs and a stronger-than-expected revenue position

Kossuth County's EMS director reported staffing, vehicle and financial updates to supervisors on Thursday, saying call volume remains high but the service's finances are in better shape than projected.

Phil (first name used in the meeting) told the board the service hired paramedic Elizabeth Grimm (presented in the meeting as both "Liz Grama" and "Elizabeth Grimm") full time; she began Monday, June 9. The department has nine full-time staff with one vacancy and several new EMTs finishing orientation. Call volume year to date was just under 1,400 calls and the director estimated the service will approach 1,500 by year end.

Phil said one ambulance struck a deer on I-35 after a patient delivery to Rochester; the front-end and radiator sustained damage and the vehicle is being repaired. Staff plan to install a stronger aftermarket deer bumper so a similar strike will be less likely to take a rig out of service. Another truck remains out of service after an earlier accident, leaving the service with two vehicles down until repairs are complete.

On finances, Phil presented levy and revenue numbers: the service's projected levy revenue for the year was $1,324,005.78; actual receipts reported in the meeting were close to projection and other earned income (billing, grants and training) was recorded above budget. Phil estimated the service would finish the fiscal year with about $390,000 in fund balance, with about $220,000 already earmarked for vehicle replacement.

Supervisors asked about vehicle coverage and timelines; the director said insurance adjusters were assessing the damaged ambulance and staff would prioritize repairs to return the unit to service. The board did not take any formal action on EMS items during the update.