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Bertram approves $70,000 EMS contract for coming year; council discusses longer-term funding options
Summary
The council approved payment of $70,000 to continue local ambulance service for the coming year, noting historical payments of $10,000 and $40,000 in prior years and discussing whether to pursue an Emergency Service District (ESD) funding option in the future.
At the May meeting the council voted to pay $70,000 to retain an ambulance stationed to serve Bertram for the coming fiscal year, after hearing that the town's contribution has risen from $10,000 previously to $40,000 two years ago and now to $70,000 (SEG 638–646). The presiding officer said the town has to consider where to find that money in future budgets and introduced the possibility of using an Emergency Service District (ESD) and a ballot petition so residents can vote on funding.
Councilors discussed that the EMS provider indicated rising costs for equipment and staffing. The presiding officer framed the choice for residents: maintain local ambulance service and pay through a taxing mechanism or risk longer response times if service moves; he said, "If you want it, then vote for it, and we'll keep an ambulance" (SEG 734–736). The council approved the $70,000 payment for the coming year on a motion and second recorded in the transcript; members directed staff to monitor longer-term funding options including potential ESD membership or a citizen petition for a ballot measure.
