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EMS director presents tighter 2026 budget as collection lags raise concern
Summary
Ottawa County EMS representative Tony presented a 2026 budget projection showing roughly $371,001 in expenditures and billing/collection timing that left a cash shortfall risk. Commissioners probed pay rates, driver‑vs‑EMT staffing variances and use of grant funding for training.
Tony, the county’s EMS representative, reviewed an annualized projection for the 2026 budget and said the service expects about $371,001.22 in expenditures and projected income that is skewed by billing timing. “Our total expenditures, we're looking at about $371,001.22,” he said while listing major line items including insurance billing of $142,009.92, payroll of $259,007.52 and overtime of $21,554.68.
Commissioners questioned whether pay and staffing will support service levels and how collections affect cash flow. One commissioner expressed concern that billed amounts were not being collected promptly; Tony explained collection timing can range from a week to many months depending on the payer and that the service uses an outside billing contractor that takes a percentage of collections. The board also pressed on the crews’ composition: Tony said he has variances in place allowing certified drivers for transport in limited situations so long as a licensed EMT is present for patient care. The board asked staff to refine EMS financial statements and return with comparative data for Bennington and Minneapolis ahead of next week’s meeting.
