Committee postpones decision on waiving ambulance standby fees for Miles City rodeos

The Miles City Finance Committee voted to postpone consideration of a request to waive ambulance standby fees for junior high and high school rodeo events until June or until more information about volunteer staffing and legal obligations is available.

Todd Steadman, a volunteer Miles City Rodeo coordinator, said rodeos have grown locally and asked that the committee waive standby fees, both for a one-time September event and for rodeo-related events going forward. He told the committee that "no other cities in Montana charge for standby at these events" and added that he "will never hire MCFR again for standbys if the City is not willing to cooperate."

Jake Richards of Miles City Fire and Rescue told the committee that "City Fire Fighters cannot volunteer their time performing the same task as they are employed to do, they must be compensated for that time per Montana law." Richards added that firefighters who volunteer independently would need personal malpractice insurance. Custer County Fire representative Cory Cheguis said his agency staffs EMTs and suggested MCFR staff and county fire discuss details; he also asked whether MCFR would waive any dual-membership policy for employees who volunteer with county agencies.

After discussion the committee approved a motion by Committee Member Ed Pulecio, seconded by Committee Member Rick Huber, to postpone the item until June or until more information is available. Voting yea were Committee Members Huber, Pulecio, Brooke Bartholomew and Cody Steiner.

The postponement leaves open possible policy adjustments to volunteer rules or fee waivers but requires staff follow-up on volunteer compensation, insurance, and dual-membership practices before any fee exemption is adopted.