Keith County commissioners approve $100,000 transfer to ambulance fund

The Keith County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to transfer $100,000 from the county general fund into the ambulance fund during its regular meeting. Presiding official introduced the resolution and Commissioner Kraske moved to approve; Commissioner Crandall seconded. A roll call recorded all votes as "Yes."

The measure will move immediate resources into local emergency medical services as staff continue recruiting and onboarding new EMTs and paramedics, an issue discussed earlier in the meeting. County staff and commissioners said they will also press the city to remit interlocal payments more promptly, and consider amending the existing interlocal agreement so the county receives funds with less delay and avoids losing interest revenue. A commissioner said the county recently received a second-quarter interlocal payment in October and recommended the interlocal require more frequent remittances.

The resolution as introduced did not include a finalized number reference for the county resolution file; officials said the clerk will assign a resolution number and record the transfer. The board directed staff to add discussion of interlocal timing to a future agenda and to invite city representatives to a meeting for follow-up.

The action follows department updates noting EMS staffing pressures: the county reported 979 calls year-to-date and recently hired several part-time EMS personnel while recruiting for full-time paramedic positions. Commissioners framed the transfer as a short-term measure to support service operations while broader, sustainable funding solutions are developed.

The board made the motion, seconded, and approved the transfer by roll call; no amendments were offered during the vote. The county clerk will publish the signed resolution and any administrative follow-up.