Supplies, communications and fleet costs push up proposed ambulance district expenses

At the June 17 budget review, district staff proposed recoding several supply and utilities lines, increasing stock and medical‑supply budgets, and pursuing communications upgrades that will raise recurring operating costs.

Staff asked the board to consolidate multiple small supply categories into clearer lines (stations/office, medical supplies, oxygen) and to raise the overall supplies budget from $120,000 to $156,000 based on year‑to‑date usage and rising prices; oxygen was identified as especially high this year and staff proposed increasing that line to $24,000. "We've used a lot this year," staff said when describing oxygen usage.

On communications, staff said all vehicle iPads and cradlepoint systems are on FirstNet and said the district is evaluating FirstNet radios as an alternative to expensive conventional interoperable radios. The FirstNet radio model would shift costs from capital to operating (monthly per‑radio fees), which staff said could increase the wireless/communications line but reduce large upfront purchases.

Staff also proposed increasing vehicle repair and maintenance lines (district fleet costs were up in the current year) and listed a proposed capital plan that includes ambulance replacement and a power‑load system. Finally, staff said partner ambulance contractors (Priest Lake, Schwitzer/Clark Fork and Spirit Lake) would receive a proposed 3% increase; that change and other line adjustments drove the draft expense total toward the mid-$5.3 million range.

Commissioners asked for greater line-item detail on supplies and repairs before final adoption. No procurement or contract changes were approved at the June 17 meeting; staff will provide a revised budget with itemized backup for the board to review once final revenue figures are available.