Central Fire/EMS urges county help for ambulance fleet as commissioners weigh options

Representatives of Central Fire/EMS asked Jefferson County commissioners to consider short-term financial assistance or alternative contracting options to maintain ambulance coverage and add a third staffed unit.

An EMS representative who identified themselves as serving both as a fire commissioner and EMS commissioner described the district’s fleet situation and options. The district has running ambulances from roughly 2021–2022 vintage (one with about 62,000–67,000 miles) and sought permission to acquire a used, fully stocked ambulance priced in the range of $150,000–$175,000 to serve as a dependable backup. The speaker described that a new ambulance costs about $320,000 but that purchasing a used unit and, if needed, later replacing the chassis could be substantially cheaper.

Commissioners said they were sympathetic but noted legal and budgetary limits. Chairman Jeremy Hancock explained the county has already committed $329,000 to a neighboring city for ambulance service and that ARPA and other county funds are largely earmarked; he said the county must weigh those commitments before committing more funds. "We'll have to look at this a little closer and see where we're at," Hancock told the EMS representatives.

The EMS representatives said the ambulance district expects roughly 55 transports per month for Central and an additional 15 transports tied to Bridal Falls operations; total medical-call volume cited was in the range of 150–175 calls per month across the service area. They outlined operational options: purchasing a used chassis/box and replacing the chassis later; donating older vehicles for parts; or negotiating a contract with a responder that would own equipment while the district controls money and operations.

No formal motion or vote was recorded. Commissioners directed staff to review legal constraints on borrowing or reallocating funds, examine ARPA commitments, and continue discussions with the ambulance district, Madison and Idaho Falls about regional coverage and contract models.

Next steps: county staff will analyze fiscal options and legal authority for short-term assistance and report back to the commission; EMS leaders will prepare more detailed cost estimates and ownership/contracting proposals.