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Council backs development of countywide EMS funding system; staff cites $3.5M levy model
Summary
Council voted to support development of a Washington County EMS property-tax levy framework under which the county would levy up to $3.5 million for EMS; staff modeled West Bend's share at roughly $605,000 and said the program is intended to replace expiring federal grants while preserving local operational control.
City staff presented a proposal for supporting development of a countywide emergency medical services (EMS) funding system. Jesse explained the county's working concept: a $3.5 million county EMS property-tax levy that would be collected at the county level and distributed to municipalities and EMS providers. Under the model presented, West Bend residents would collectively contribute about $605,000 toward that levy and West Bend would receive roughly $684,000 back in direct distributions and offsets through service agreements.
Staff emphasized that the levy would be authorized and limited under state statute to EMS purposes only (not fire, police or dispatch), that administrative costs at the county would be capped, and that the resolution before council expresses support for development of the funding system rather than a commitment to full participation. Chief Noren and Jesse described statewide revenue limits, expiring federal SAFER and ARPA funds, increasing costs and volunteer shortages as drivers of the proposal. Council members stressed preserving local authority over operational and clinical control; the motion to support development of the countywide funding system was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
