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Geary County commissioners approve five-year joint EMS agreement with Junction City
Summary
After mediation, Geary County commissioners voted to sign a five-year joint emergency medical services agreement with the city of Junction City that includes a two-year termination provision and a process for capital improvement planning.
Geary County commissioners voted to approve and sign a five-year joint emergency medical services (EMS) agreement with the city of Junction City, resolving an ongoing dispute the two governments took to mediation.
County staff told commissioners the agreement is ready for signature and includes a two-year termination provision. A staff member said, “You should all have in your packet a signature-ready EMS agreement,” noting the document lays out a five-year term and an exit provision if the parties identify a better solution.
The agreement calls for joint planning on capital improvements (the county’s capital improvement program, or CIP) and establishes a mechanism for the city and county to discuss equipment needs that exceed the contribution limit mentioned in the agreement. A county official described the CIP provision as a place for “give and take” so both entities can coordinate purchases and timing.
Several commissioners and the chair voiced relief that mediation led to a signed agreement. One commissioner praised EMS and fire personnel as “top notch” and said a joint EMS arrangement is “both economically and safety wise the best option for our community.” Commissioners also emphasized the need for clearer, higher-quality communication between the two governments going forward.
A motion to approve and sign the EMS agreement was made and seconded on the floor. Commissioners voted verbally in favor; the chair announced the motion carried. The county will provide a signed copy to the city, and a city representative said the city commission will take the agreement up at its next meeting.
Bills from the mediators for their services were presented; the county will pay half of the mediator fees as previously agreed.
The agreement includes: a five-year term, a two-year termination clause, a CIP/collaborative-planning provision for capital items, and the parties’ right to discuss purchases that exceed the flat-fee contribution limit specified in the contract.
The commission did not specify an exact effective date at the meeting; commissioners indicated staff will finalize signatures and exchange the master copy with city officials.
