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EMS leaders tell commissioners county needs two crews; 1% sales tax could help payroll, teams say
Summary
Bennington and Minneapolis EMS representatives told the commission Ottawa County needs two crews, that staff cannot afford benefits and that a 1% sales tax would help cover payroll though equipment costs would remain; commissioners asked for cost estimates and suggested town-hall discussions.
Representatives from Bennington EMS and Minneapolis EMS spoke to the commission about emergency medical services funding and staffing. Tony Swetson of Bennington EMS said crews are stretched and cannot afford employee benefits; many staff hold second jobs or rely on a spouse’s insurance. Karl Leech of Minneapolis EMS said a 1% sales tax "would help cover the payroll," but noted equipment and capital needs would still exist.
Swetson said Ottawa County "needs two crews" and reported the services have had to "back each other up about 20 times so far this year." Commissioners discussed options outlined in a prior study — continuing two county services with current structure, creating a county-wide service (more costly), or contracting with an outside provider — and asked staff to produce dollar figures and to hold town-hall meetings on a potential sales-tax measure. Commissioner Mortimer suggested tighter control of billing if EMS were county employees; Commissioner Grund asked what budget cuts would be considered to support EMS funding.
