Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Clyde council approves $43,501 in bridge funding for Citizens EMS after presentation on shortfall
Summary
Citizens EMS told council reimbursement shortfalls and rising costs mean only 19.25% of operating costs are covered by existing subsidy contracts; council unanimously approved $43,501 in temporary funding to sustain service while longer-term contracts are negotiated.
Clyde — Citizens EMS representatives told the City Council on Feb. 10 that the nonprofit ambulance service is facing a cash shortfall caused by low reimbursement rates and rising operating costs and asked the city for bridge funding.
“Kellie and Michael from EMS” explained the service bills on a per-call basis and that only 19.25% of their budget is currently covered by subsidy contracts with the county, the City of Clyde and the City of Baird. Michael told council that Taylor County covers staffing costs for its area and that Citizens EMS lacks the staffing capacity to deploy both intercept vehicles and ambulances simultaneously.
Council members asked about long-term fixes and fundraising efforts. Michael said the service runs four ambulances with eight full-time and six part-time employees, organizes an annual 5K fundraiser, pursues grants and has started a subscription program that so far has one registrant.
After discussion, Councilmember David Mann moved and Jim Rector seconded a motion to provide $43,501 in city funding as a short-term bridge. The motion carried unanimously. Councilmembers characterized the service as essential and noted that loss of Citizens EMS would likely require the county to arrange alternate coverage.
The payment is intended as a short-term measure while subsidy contracts and longer-term funding options are negotiated for future budget cycles. Council did not specify conditions or reporting requirements attached to the payment during the Feb. 10 meeting.
