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AMR seeks larger subsidy, proposes five-year contract; commissioners set follow-up
Summary
Ambulance provider AMR told Linn County commissioners it is seeking $150,000 in added subsidy spread over two years and proposed a five-year contract; commissioners asked staff to return the item for budget consideration on June 16.
Linn County commissioners heard from AMR on May 19 that the ambulance provider is asking the county for an increased subsidy and wants a five-year contract.
AMR representative Dawn Brooks told commissioners the company had responded to cost pressures: “we're asking we're asking for an increase. We can split that over the first 2 years. We're also asking for a 5 year contract.” Jason Jenkins, regional director for GMR (AMR’s parent company in the region), told the board payroll and operating costs have risen and that payroll alone is the largest expense. “Our biggest expense as you likely suspect is payroll. That's about $1,300,000,” Jenkins said, adding AMR provides a 3% annual increase to staff.
The request described in the meeting materials totaled $150,000 spread over the first two years (about $75,000 per year). Brooks and Jenkins said AMR would re-evaluate the funding after year three, and Jenkins said the company previously reduced the county subsidy several years ago.
Commissioners discussed timing and the existing contract. AMR staff said the county’s current contract allows for extensions and that the county can go to an RFP if it prefers. Commissioners asked for more time to review the contract and proposed numbers; the board agreed to schedule the AMR contract on the June 16 agenda for further consideration and budget review.
No formal vote on subsidy or contract changes was taken May 19. Staff said the current AMR contract does not expire until December and said an updated contract copy could be provided to commissioners for review.
