(Montgomery Co.) The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors held another discussion on EMS essential services this morning.
Last week, Red Oak City Administrator Lisa Kotter appeared before the board and mentioned that while the current EMS system in the county works operationally, it is not sustainable long term.
During the public comment portion of the meeting today, the board heard from Villisca City Councilman Tripp Narup, who said he appreciates that the Supervisors are willing to discuss the EMS issues.
Montgomery County Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Hamman provided information for the board to review on the Iowa Code, including section 357F and 357G, which governs the establishment and management of EMS Districts in unincorporated areas, and authorizes cities to establish EMS Districts. Code 422 is a funding mechanism for countywide EMS.
Hamman said they have many things to research and consider, and he does not believe placing it on the November election ballot would give it the best chance of approval.
The Supervisors agreed that they need to get everything together and educate the public on the issue first. They asked Hamman to speak with Montgomery County communities and begin the process of appointing members to a committee to help research and guide the county toward declaring EMS an essential service.
