Board approves updated ambulance rates; members debate lift-assist and standby fees

Speaker 2 brought forward Resolution No. 546 to set updated ambulance rates; colleagues noted the rates had not changed since 2018. Discussion focused on whether to charge for 'lift assist' calls (helping someone up without transport) and 'standby' at public events such as the fair or football games. Speaker 3 said she believed lift assists previously were not charged; Speaker 5 suggested the possibility of waiving standby fees for volunteer-run events and asked if volunteer groups would be forced to pay.

Sandy (Speaker 11) was asked to clarify current practice; she said sometimes lift assists are not charged and described that the service sometimes advises transport to hospital rather than charging for a nontransport lift. After discussion, a motion to adopt the resolution "as presented" was made and seconded; the board approved it by voice vote.

The motion carried with board members asking staff to consider waiver possibilities for volunteer events and to return with potential language if needed. The meeting record shows the board voted in favor and the resolution was adopted as presented.