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Bonner County Ambulance Service District reviews budget forecast, staffing and call-volume outlook
Summary
Board discussed a budget forecast showing a Jan. starting cash position near $1.1 million and a projected January ending balance of about $720,000, staffing retention concerns and call-volume projections (predicted 5,039 vs. actual 5,053). Members suggested preparing a multiyear projection and holding a workshop to review assumptions.
Bonner County Ambulance Service District leaders used the Jan. 7 meeting to review short-term finances and staffing concerns as they plan longer-term operations.
Speaker 5 presented a budget forecast that put the district’s Jan. 1 beginning cash position at roughly $1,100,000. Using updated numbers, Speaker 5 said the district projects about $380,000 in net use through January and an ending January balance near $720,000. Speaker 5 told the board they do not currently anticipate needing to draw on the approved revenue anticipation note (RAN) before September but recommended having the RAN in place as a precaution.
Discussion turned to staff retention and workforce stability. Board members noted losing employees to higher-paying employers is an ongoing challenge; Speaker 5 said the agency has been successful filling vacancies from a pool of previous employees and applicants but acknowledged replacing “superstar” staff remains difficult. Board members recommended creating and tracking a multiyear projection to identify thresholds that would trigger hiring additional full-time equivalents or capital purchases such as vehicles.
On service demand, Speaker 5 reported a call-volume projection compared with the earlier estimate: “I predicted our call volume was gonna be 5,039 and our call volume was 5,053,” Speaker 5 said, reporting actuals slightly higher than prediction. Members suggested drafting a five-year outlook and holding a workshop so the board can review assumptions, capital replacement schedules and staffing plans before budget season.
No formal decisions were made on staffing or capital changes; the board requested staff and Jennifer (Speaker 3) prepare longer-term projections and suggested a future workshop to review assumptions and formulas that drive the multiyear plan. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
