Kootenai County commissioners approve fee increase for event ambulance standby, multiple contracts and property purchase

Kootenai County commissioners on June 17 approved a series of routine contracts, a land purchase and a fee increase for dedicated ambulance standby at public events.

The most substantive action was adoption of Resolution 2025-45 to raise the dedicated ambulance standby rate from $165 to $261.85 per hour. Tracy Abrahamson, director of finance for the county EMS system, told commissioners the increase covers overtime callback costs for fire districts and reflects a joint powers board recommendation. Commissioners voted to adopt the resolution.

The board also approved a recyclables-processing agreement with Waste Management, doing business as Bluebird Recycling; a five-year transit technology contract with Paseo Technologies; a janitorial services contract for the 9-1-1 campus; and an offer to repurchase 8.08 acres adjacent to the county landfill for $248,900. Juvenile detention housing agreements with four neighboring counties were renewed with a new three-year term and the per-diem housing rate increased from $150 to $225 per day.

Votes at a glance: - Item 14 — Recyclables processing agreement: award to Waste Management (dba Bluebird Recycling). Contract term: 10/01/2025–09/30/2030. Outcome: approved (Commissioners Eberline, Duncan, Chair Metari — all Aye). - Item 15 — Surplus transfer trailers (Bid 2025-03): award to Premier Industries (5 trailers). Outcome: approved (all Aye). - Item 16 — Property purchase: AIN 339780 (approx. 8.08 acres) from Kootenai Electric Company, $248,900; Commissioner Duncan authorized to sign. Outcome: approved (all Aye). - Item 17 — Transit technology services:…