We welcome the news that city and county officials reached agreement this week to continue as partners in providing emergency medical services to all of Allen County.
The five-year contract not only ensures that citizens will get a top-notch service but also that Iola firefighters will continue to do double-duty by providing both fire and EMS services at the stations in Iola, Humboldt and Moran.
The agreement, however, did not come without its challenges.
Talks between city and county officials began in May only to come to an impasse by June. At that point, Denver-based American Medical Response, a private ambulance service, was invited to the table. In August, the county commission voted 2-1 to negotiate solely with AMR rather than try to resolve issues with the city to renew its contract in effect since 2014. Commissioners David Lee of LaHarpe and Jerry Daniels of Humboldt favored AMR; Bruce Symes of Iola preferred to keep working with the city.
The news shocked city council members, and many cried foul. In less than a week, they claimed Iola would establish a stand-alone ambulance service, a decision fully backed by Iola firefighters.
Once Iola’s decision was made, negotiations with AMR turned south.
Without Iola in the mix, AMR likely figured the service area of Humboldt and Moran was too small for its liking. It also was looking to recruit firefighters, EMTs and paramedics on staff with the city.
AMR also likely sensed it was walking into a hornet’s nest.
The complications of two departments were many. Two ambulance stations only blocks apart. An underused Iola Fire Department that Iola officials vowed to prop up. And Iola taxpayers who resented having to pay for two services because they pay city and county taxes.
Though AMR stayed in the mix, county and city officials resumed talks thanks to the level-headedness of those who put their constituents ahead of their pride.
Of special note is city council member Carl Slaugh who never gave up on efforts to find common ground between the two bodies and was a frequent fixture at the county’s weekly meetings.
By last Friday, county commissioners said negotiations would be with the city only. By Monday, the city council unanimously approved a contract that county commissioners approved 2-1 on Tuesday morning. Daniels was the lone naysayer.
WE HAVE examples galore of how outside interests don’t always put local people and concerns first.
And while we won’t cast AMR in the same lot, it’s safe to say local leadership will be more in tune with our needs than those based elsewhere.
Good job, city and county officials. You’ve earned your constituents’ support.
