City unsure about future of ambulances

The question of whether or not the City of Sundance should be in “the ambulance business” was once again discussed at last week’s regular meeting of the council. The issue has been raised several times in anticipation of the need to either reapprove the contract with Crook County Medical Services District that has been in place for a number of years – or do something different.

“At one time I believe we did belong in the ambulance business,” said Mayor Paul Brooks. “I think that time has passed.”

The latest CREG report shows the state has financial problems that could trickle down to towns, said Brooks, while the county has now collected the amount of Specific Purpose Option Tax that was specified on the 2014 ballot. Things may soon start getting tight, he said.

Brooks asked the council whether it would consider changing things so that, for example, the district is asked to pay rent on the building in which the ambulances are housed. The district has taxing authority, he said, and can therefore pay its own way.

He shared his discomfort with the fact that the citizens of Sundance foot the bill for a service that is used throughout the county.

“It’s a simple issue of fairness,” he said. “The people in town provide an ambulance and they bill exactly the same for the guy who lives in town as the guy who lives out of town.”

Council Member Brad Marchant stated that he is against the city funding the ambulance service and feels the city is getting used. Council Member Jana McLean noted that the contract for ambulances is old and circumstances have changed greatly since it was written, so it’s probably worthwhile to at least re-examine it.

Clerk-Treasurer Kathy Lenz asked if it might also be time to visit the county commissioners to discuss increasing the county’s annual donation towards the ambulances and also the landfill – two services that are made available to county residents.

The conversation about the ambulances has ground to a halt, said the mayor. He stated that the city has attempted to come to an understanding with the district and an offer was made that the city would help write a grant to secure funding for the ambulances, but no response has been heard.

At the request of the council, Brooks will meet with the district and attempt to come to an agreement before a decision is made about the contract.