Iola City Council members have some numbers to chew on as they explore their options for a citywide ambulance and fire service.
City Administrator Matt Rehder expects such a program would cost Iola $2.4 million in 2022.
With $1.7 million already budgeted, and run revenues projected at $225,000, that leaves a shortfall of about $400,000.
Council members said in August they backed an effort for Iola to break away from the Allen County EMS now that the county has decided to go with a private firm to provide countywide ambulance services.
For the past seven years, Iola has provided that countywide service, with Iola firefighters manning stations in Iola, Humboldt and Moran.
In a written summary provided to Council members in advance of their Monday meeting, Rehder said the Council has a number of options to consider when addressing the shortfall, from increasing property tax levies or utilizing sales tax revenue; increasing utility reserve transfers; and vying for long-distance EMS transfers to increase revenue.
The city also can be reimbursed for a portion of its expenses by the county, utilizing a state law that allows local municipalities the right to run their own EMS.
Rehder acknowledged he may be overestimating costs, while being too conservative with revenue projections.
“Projected costs are not going to be fully understood until we have a minimum of one year’s history of running the service,” Rehder wrote in his notes to the Council.
ON TOP OF deciding what sort of service to provide, and how to fund it, the Council also has other pending decisions.
The city must find a new fire chief, following the resignation of Chase Waggoner in August; continue negotiations with the county on hazmat and rescue services outreach; and consider utilizing a third-party vendor for EMS billing.
Monday’s 6 p.m. meeting is at the New Community Building at Riverside Park.
