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New Prague council tables ambulance lease request while seeking regional funding options
Summary
Council heard that North Memorial reported an approximate $520,000 loss on New Prague operations for the year and requested a longer services term and a rent/utilities waiver; council directed staff to research regional stipend models and other cities’ practices and tabled final action.
Council members on March 16 directed staff to gather more information rather than immediately approving a rent waiver requested by North Memorial’s ambulance service.
Josh summarized a recent quarter‑end update from the ambulance provider and said the company reported about a $520,000 loss in New Prague for the year. He said North Memorial asked for a longer services agreement (five to 10 years) and requested that rent and utilities for the bays and office space in the new police station be waived.
"This year, they are looking at about at about $520,000 loss in New Prague," Josh said when briefing the council on the provider’s year‑end numbers.
Council members debated options including separate terms for the services agreement and the building lease, a shorter lease term for the facility, asking for audited financial detail, and pursuing stipend contributions from townships or other communities in the ambulance service area. Several council members suggested reconstituting an ambulance advisory board or a joint powers arrangement to engage townships and neighboring jurisdictions on cost‑sharing.
Some council members said they were reluctant to agree to a long, rent‑free lease without more data; others noted the provider’s operational challenges and the value of maintaining in‑town ambulance presence. The council asked staff to compare how other regional host cities handle rent and utility arrangements for ambulance providers and to report back. Members then agreed to table final action on the lease and service agreement pending that follow‑up.
No contract was executed at the meeting; council members acknowledged that the current contract expires at the end of April and directed staff to return with options.
