Jackson board approves resolution to continue talks on countywide EMS

The Village of Jackson Board on Feb. 10 approved a resolution to continue conversations about forming a Washington County countywide emergency medical services system after a presentation by Washington County Chief Public Safety Officer Dave Sager.

Sager told the board the resolution itself "is just the pursuit of the creation of a countywide EMS system" and does not in itself implement or codify a new structure. He said municipalities across the county face levy-limit constraints that make it difficult to raise municipal levies for public safety and that counties have statutory authority to exceed levy limits to provide EMS funding. "Counties have the ability to exceed levy limits in order to provide funding for EMS services," he said.

Sager outlined the work-group process that has convened chief elected officials, fire chiefs and municipal administrators to study options. He said the group is analyzing cost allocation, governance and contract length and noted the challenge of separating fire and EMS costs because the same personnel often perform both duties. He told the board that, to avoid shifting taxes to communities that did not agree to participate, "we need every municipality to agree to do this," and described that consensus as a major practical hurdle.

Board members asked how governance would be structured and whether each municipality would have representation. One trustee suggested that governance should include a representative from every jurisdiction that signs on so local officials retain a vote; Sager said governance and intergovernmental agreements would be fleshed out only if the work group determines the model is feasible. He also said discussions around contract length are tied to eligibility for a state innovation grant, which requires a minimum six-year commitment, with planners likely rounding to a 10-year contract in practice.

The board approved Resolution 20 six-two to continue discussion and study of the countywide EMS concept; the resolution does not itself create a tax or change municipal operations. President Brian Heckendorf and trustees voted by voice to carry the motion. Sager offered to be available to answer questions as the governance work group proceeds.