Crawford County supervisors declare EMS an essential service, form advisory council to study funding and ballot options

The Crawford County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt Resolution 2026-10, formally designating emergency medical services (EMS) in the county as an essential service and directing the creation of an advisory council to study how EMS should be funded and organized.

The move followed a public hearing that drew volunteers, municipal leaders and hospital staff to the boardroom. Lloyd Carlson, a former EMS worker, pressed the hospital and board for specifics: “Why can't we get two crews for 24 hours service?” he asked, raising a widely shared concern about coverage gaps and the frequency of overlapping calls. Several speakers also submitted a written objection signed “Rich and Deal,” alleging long‑standing deficiencies at Crawford County Hospital’s ambulance service and questioning the hospital’s use of funds.

Crawford County Hospital (CCH) representatives told the board they are facing a difficult fiscal picture under a more staffing‑intensive model. The hospital reported roughly $1.3 million in gross run and transfer revenue last year, net revenue of about $474,543, and tax levy support of about $375,000; CCH reported a FY25 net loss of approximately $639,000 and warned the deficit could climb toward $900,000 after implementing paid 24‑hour crew staffing. CCH staff said the system is also constrained by the national shortage of paramedics and by rising equipment and ambulance‑purchase costs (a new ambulance was estimated at roughly $350,000–$400,000).

Board members said the resolution does not immediately impose taxes. Instead it authorizes an advisory council — to be appointed by the board — to study operational models, identify how much revenue would be needed, propose funding mechanisms (including levy and sales‑tax options), and recommend whether to place a proposal before voters. The board discussed council composition and asked the hospital and EMS association to provide candidate names and alternates for consideration.

Supervisor Jean, speaking during debate, said the county must weigh public‑safety obligations against the burden of new taxes on residents with fixed incomes. “Our job is to keep our county safe,” Jean said, and the advisory council should help craft options that balance safety and fiscal responsibility.

The board approved Resolution 2026-10 in roll call and recorded the motion as passing unanimously. Supervisors set no immediate levy; any levy or ballot question would follow the advisory council’s recommended plan and, if placed on a ballot, would require the supermajority specified by state law.

What happens next: the board directed stakeholders — including the hospital and county EMS association — to submit candidate lists for the advisory council. The council is expected to study response times, overlapping runs, staffing models and potential revenue options, and to report back to the board with a recommendation that could include a November ballot measure.

Votes and formal actions from this meeting: the board also set a public hearing for reclassifying a section of 230th Street (from level B to A) for March 31 at 10:00 a.m.; gave conditional approval to pursue a lease discussion with T‑Mobile for county tower space (no work will occur until a mutually acceptable lease is signed); approved a zoning job description; formally appointed Mike Windgrove as Willow Township trustee; and approved up to $6,000 in opioid‑fund support for juvenile treatment‑court staff and substance‑use providers to attend the AllRise training in July. The board discussed but did not finalize revised thresholds for the county’s property‑tax abatement program and asked staff and counsel to return with amended language and an effective assessment date.

The board adjourned after completing the agenda.