EMS budget sparks debate over remounting cost, bunker gear and CAD equipment

Reno Countys EMS chief, Terry David, outlined the ambulance services 2019 budget request and prompted extended discussion over staffing, capital purchases and new technology.

David said salaries and benefits would rise by $111,897 because of merit and market adjustments, and projected increases for medical supplies (about 19%) and drugs (about 33%). He also noted the Kansas EMS Association had secured a statewide Medicaid increase in the state budget that could translate to roughly an 18% funding increase for EMS providers; David estimated that change might amount to about $70,000 for his service but said the county would not have final numbers until the state finishes its work.

On capital items, David said the cost to remount an ambulance had been budgeted around $210,000 but that a manufacturers pricing change left the county likely to secure a 2019 chassis at the bid price; commissioners discussed reducing the line to about $200,000. The board also questioned a $20,000 request for extrication-style bunker gear for EMS staff; commissioners and the chief agreed to explore providing one set per vehicle rather than one set per person and agreed to revisit and reduce the requested amount to roughly $5,000 pending a plan.

Commissioners sharply questioned a $60,000 proposal to buy computer-aided dispatch (CAD) equipment for ambulances, asking whether it would improve patient outcomes and whether other agenciessystems would interoperate. David and county IT staff said the intent was to align EMS with county communications, share mobile data terminals across police, sheriff and fire departments, and provide patient information en route; the chief said it could be valuable for high-acuity patients. Several commissioners urged delaying the CAD purchase until other agencies have implemented the system and until a demo and clearer cost-benefit data are available; the board signaled support for removing the $60,000 item from the 2019 budget pending further analysis.

Why it matters: the EMS budget covers frontline public-safety services. Commissioners balanced concerns about technology and capital spending against safety and operational readiness.

Whats next: staff will provide more detailed cost estimates and implementation plans for remounting, bunker-gear distribution and the CAD system for further consideration before the final budget vote.