Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ems Levy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County hears case for temporary ambulance levy as EMS funding shortfall projected for 2028
Summary
Blaine County staff told commissioners that, without new revenue, Ambulance District reserves would be depleted in fiscal year 2028; the board discussed three levy options and general support coalesced around a two-year levy structured to fund three years of operations, with an emphasis on public outreach.
Blaine County officials told the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 13 that the Blaine County Ambulance District is facing a structural funding shortfall and could exhaust available funds during fiscal year 2028 without additional revenue.
EMS Coordinator Patrick McIntyre presented systemwide metrics showing sustained growth in call volume, increasing stacked calls and longer transport times, and urged urgency for new funding. Staff presented three levy options — a permanent levy, a two-year temporary levy, and a two-year levy structured to fund three years of operations — and described planning assumptions in the range of roughly 5–6% annual agency growth.
Fire officials and operations staff emphasized local operational constraints. BC South Fire Protection Fire Marshal Mike Elle urged a proactive community outreach program to explain the levy’s need and recommended early public education. Operations Chief Bass Sears highlighted Blaine County’s remote geography and limited outside emergency resources, saying adequate local staffing is critical to public safety.
Commissioners discussed maintaining countywide coverage while allowing time to evaluate longer-term operational changes and partnership opportunities. No formal levy ordinance or ballot language was approved at the meeting; the discussion established policy direction and the need for focused public outreach and further financial modeling. The Board took no binding action on the levy at the Jan. 13 session.
