The proposed EMS merger contract is still on the table, but some questions “in the numbers” have halted any sort of decision from the Iola City Council. SLAUGH SPENT time with employees from IFD and Allen County EMS, listening to their concerns regarding the merger. IN OTHER BUSINESS:
The council amassed a list of questions — generated from the council, Allen County EMS and the Iola Fire Department — that will be brought to Allen County Commissioners for clarification.
“We have some sticking points,” Council member Jon Wells said. “But, the county had to move mountains for this and I thank them for that.”
The first problem dealt with the amount of revenue the city will receive in total. Through the contract, the county will retain the billing services for EMS and provide $750,000 — a fixed amount — to the city for the services.
In a meeting prior to Monday’s council meeting, City Administrator Carl Slaugh said the $750,000 is borderline from the start in terms of profit. The EMS services’ total run revenue was $690,025 in 2012. He said any increased revenue, which is expected, will create a funding reduction for the services.
The second of what Slaugh called “major issues” pertained to staffing. The contract stipulates at least 33 full-time employees be on staff. Currently 37 employees exist between the IFD and Allen County EMS. For maximum savings to taxpayers, the staff would be reduced by four, or, Slaugh said, see a reduction in services.
“I don’t think anyone will vote for that,” he said of the two options.
In the end, the council members’ concerns centered on whether funds will match expenses.
“I’m just concerned about the actual cost to the city and what that would be,” council member Steve French said.
“I’ve had an earful, they’ve heard a lot of rumors,” Slaugh said. “Some have been valid, some have not.”
County EMS employees currently operate on a 48-hour shift, while the city operates on a 24-hour shift. Slaugh said if the services were to merge, a change would have to take place. Many county employees live out of county, and the 48-hour shift allows for the longer commute.
“It would take a whole reworking,” Slaugh said.
Also, the city has no female employees and facilities in the city are not equipped for them. He said there are no separations for showers or sleeping arrangements.
The list goes on, but, as the council members stated, things are “down to the details.”
“I think it’s a very good, well thought out proposal that will take some negotiation,” Slaugh said.
There will be substantial changes to face either way in the event of a merger, he said, and both entities need to be prepared to make some tough decisions.
“We’ve had two warring football teams,” he said. “Now we’re asking them to live in the same house.”
“Even under the best circumstances, I can see it being very difficult to change.”
— The 2014 budget for the city of Iola was approved for a hearing on Aug. 12. The mill levy is proposed to raise from 37.791 to 38.463 and the general fund for the city will increase from $4,577,514 to $5,396,340. Council members also voted to increase the Iola Public Library’s mill levy, which will maintain its yearly funding at $211,777.
— Council members approved a contract agreement with Southern Star Gas Pipeline for the transportation of natural gas.
EMS merger stalled by the numbers
