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Commission considers $100,000 housing discretionary set‑aside; ambulance contribution left out of tentative budget pending follow‑up
Summary
Commissioner Mary McGann proposed earmarking $100,000 from surplus for housing initiatives; commissioners generally supported allocating a line while reserving specific spending approvals. The $350,000 ambulance request was left out of the next tentative budget pending more review and discussion of alternative funding mechanisms.
Commissioner Mary McGann urged the commission to set aside $100,000 from surplus in a discretionary housing fund to support local housing projects (Royal Crossing, Hausau and related initiatives). She said earmarking funds would put the county in a stronger position to respond when project proposals arrive and suggested the money be restricted for infrastructure and project costs rather than salaries.
Several commissioners agreed that housing is a priority and supported placing a defined, earmarked amount in the budget while reserving the right of a future commission to approve specific requests. Commissioners emphasized the need for clear spending rules and for applicants to present specific proposals before funds are released.
On emergency medical services, commissioners discussed a previously raised $350,000 ambulance payment request. The workshop did not include that amount in the next tentative budget: staff were instructed to keep the ambulance request on the list for conversation but not include it in baseline budget numbers pending further review. Commissioners discussed alternatives including district sales tax, targeted TRT allocations, or one‑time contributions from surplus, and expressed concern about committing to new recurring taxes without voter approval.
Commissioners also noted operational consequences: staff reported the EMS district may reduce backcountry ambulance coverage if sustainable funding is not secured, shrinking peak‑season local capacity. Several commissioners recommended a coordinated meeting among sheriff, EMS, fire and a commissioner subcommittee to work through long‑term EMS funding and service configuration.
Next steps: staff will include a $100,000 housing discretionary line in the what‑if budget scenario (to be reviewed and potentially trimmed if needed) and leave the ambulance request out of the baseline pending follow‑up meetings and further analysis.
