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Ottawa County examines EMS finances and whether a countywide service is needed
Summary
Commissioners reviewed financial and staffing data from Minneapolis and Bennington EMS services, heard that some EMS units are running operating losses, and directed staff to gather more precise pay, insurance and billing data before deciding whether to pursue consolidation or other funding options.
Commissioners spent an extended portion of the meeting focused on emergency medical services in Ottawa County, comparing operations in Minneapolis and Bennington and probing how the county might sustain local ambulance coverage.
A presenter who collected budget material from neighboring counties told the board that some services are “scraping by,” and highlighted disparities in how agencies account for benefits. “They are scraping by,” the presenter said, describing Bennington’s recent losses and the low pay for several positions.
Discussion ranged from whether the city of Minneapolis provides health insurance and administrative support to how Bennington tracks ambulance ownership. Commissioners and staff debated whether bringing medical billing in-house or pursuing a countywide consolidation would improve revenue capture. Staff said they would confirm an overnight stipend arrangement, health-insurance carrier, and whether two- and four-person staffing models could be combined to reduce costs.
No formal decision was made. Commissioners directed staff to follow up with EMS leaders and finalize missing numbers — including a confirmed overnight stipend and a current insurance-rate estimate — ahead of budget deliberations in May.
