Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ems Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Star Valley Health warns EMS program 'deep in the red'; Town considers regional and local response options
Summary
Star Valley Health told the Town that EMS operations are 'deep in the red' and urged municipal collaboration on a sustainable solution. The Town hosted a June meeting and plans a broader regional meeting in July; officials discussed a potential local quick-response plan but raised concerns about training, liability and costs.
Mayor Rok and Administrator Aitken reported on a June 23 meeting with Star Valley Health leadership and EMS representatives, who described the EMS program as "deep in the red" and urged municipalities to work together to find a sustainable approach. Mayor Rok said Star Valley Health expressed gratitude to Star Valley Ranch for being the only town to provide financial support over the past three years.
Town officials said the state currently does not classify EMS as an essential service under state statute, which complicates funding mechanisms. A larger regional meeting is planned for July to discuss coordinated solutions; a date had not been set during the work session.
Councilman Merrill said the Town should prepare a local quick-response plan in case a county or regional solution is not implemented. Councilman Ellis cautioned that a local quick-response team would impose significant responsibilities, including training requirements, liability exposure and operational costs.
No firm commitment to a local quick-response program was made at the June 25 work session; officials agreed to continue discussions at a forthcoming regional meeting and to evaluate options and costs before taking formal action.
