Cole County Commission approves $100,000 EMS budget adjustment after higher call volume

COLE COUNTY, Mo. — The Cole County Commission on Dec. 31, 2024, approved Budget Adjustment No. 14, moving $100,000 into the county’s EMS fund to cover operating shortfalls caused by higher call volume this year.

Why it matters: County staff told commissioners EMS call volume exceeded the year’s planning assumptions, increasing costs for medical supplies, fuel and vehicle maintenance. Commissioners approved reallocating revenue collected this year to offset those expenses.

What happened

During the meeting staff reported the year’s budget assumed roughly 12,300 EMS calls but that actual call volume had risen above 13,500 calls as of the day before the meeting. Staff said this increase had driven “significant overages” in medical supplies, fuel and maintenance costs and that revenue collected this year needed to be moved to balance expenditures.

Commissioners approved the second (final) reading and signed Budget Adjustment No. 14 for $100,000 to the EMS fund. The motion was made and seconded on the record, and the commission approved the item by voice vote.

Discussion and context

Staff attributed the shortfall to higher call volume rather than a new recurring program. Commissioners asked clarifying questions to confirm the need for the adjustment. The adjustment was presented as the last action for the 2024 budget year and staff said it was necessary to finalize accounts before the statutory adoption deadline for the budget.

Next steps

The commission said it will finalize the 2025 budget at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Staff indicated the $100,000 transfer will be used to cover EMS operating costs for the current fiscal year and to balance related line items.

Ending: The commission approved the budget adjustment and directed staff to complete required bookkeeping and reporting so the fiscal 2024 EMS accounts can be closed.