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County considers EMS consolidation options with neighboring county; public meeting set for Aug. 6
Summary
Marquette County discussed possible consolidation of EMS services with a neighboring county after that county's EMS director and deputy resigned; options include contracting to a third‑party ambulance provider or partnering with Marquette County, and an Aug. 6 public meeting was scheduled to update residents.
County administrator Ron told the board a neighboring county’s EMS director and deputy director resigned, prompting outreach to discuss consolidation or other options. He said the neighboring county had offered two options: contract their service to a third‑party ambulance provider (for example Gold Star) or partner with Marquette County to jointly operate EMS services.
Ron emphasized operational feasibility should be resolved before budgeting: "We have basically 5.5 months to get this figured out," he said, noting the county may apply for an innovation grant that could temporarily offset up to 25% of operational costs for four years if awarded. Ron proposed forming a small core group (three or four people plus staff) to work through operational questions and to avoid involving too many people in early planning.
He announced a citizen meeting at the Fire Hall on Aug. 6 at 6:00 p.m. to update the public and discuss options. Ron said he would report back to the board after the neighboring county's board made its decision and that further steps would depend on whether the neighbor chooses to contract out services or to partner.
