Commissioners discuss EMS standby billing for fair; agree to cover budgeted $8,500 and seek legal guidance
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Summary
Kootenai County commissioners and fair staff discussed an annual EMS standby invoice for arena events. The county budgeted $8,500 for 2025; commissioners signaled willingness to cover that amount and asked staff to consult legal counsel about mandated EMS providers and billing practices.
Kootenai County commissioners discussed how to handle the annual invoice for EMS standby services at arena events during a March 18 special meeting, and agreed to pay up to the $8,500 the county budgeted for fiscal year 2025 while seeking legal guidance on provider mandates.
Leanna Kaiser, representing Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, said the invoice covers ambulance standby for arena events such as concerts, the demolition derby and the rodeo across the fair’s roughly 10 days. Kaiser said the county budgeted $8,500 for the 2025 fair. She said the prior year’s invoice exceeded $10,000; the county paid $8,000 and the fair covered the remainder. Kaiser also said the fair board separately pays about $11,500 for first-aid services during the fair.
Commissioners discussed whether the fair or taxpayers should absorb increases. One commissioner said the fair brings in revenue and suggested the fair pick up more expenses so county funds could support other needs. Commissioners noted that the University of Idaho Extension has requested additional county funding of about $8,700; if the fair covered more of EMS standby costs, that could free county dollars to meet extension requests.
Commissioners asked whether the county is required to use a specific provider for EMS standby at the fair. One commissioner asked if the county is mandated to use Kootenai County Fire and Rescue or whether the county could solicit services from AMR or other districts. Participants said “Dave had said no, not to his knowledge,” and recommended asking Pat for a legal opinion. Commissioners agreed staff should consult legal counsel about any mandate or procurement constraints.
A member of the public, Jim Boles, asked during public comment whether the fire district crew working the fair is on overtime or receiving additional pay for standby shifts. County participants said they would check with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue to clarify whether crews are dedicated to standby duty or drawn from on-duty personnel.
While no formal roll-call vote was recorded on funding allocation, commissioners indicated direction to pay up to the budgeted $8,500 for EMS standby for the 2025 fair and to have staff seek legal guidance about provider requirements and billing. Staff and fair management were asked to follow up and report back before final budget decisions for FY 2026.
