Tomah Ambulance Commission approves director's report amid staffing changes, building repairs

On Feb. 26, 2026, the Tomah Ambulance Commission met at the Public Safety Building and approved the director's report after hearing updates on staffing, facility repairs and operational statistics.

Public Safety Director Tim Adler told the commission the department is "currently full staffed" overall but that EMT Kayla Jorgenson submitted her resignation for family reasons and her last scheduled shift will be March 15, 2026. Adler said internal candidates are being considered, and that part-time employee Genevieve Janczak has expressed interest in moving to full time. Adler also reported that two employees are on administrative leave while the Tomah Police Department investigates; he said the investigation could be lengthy because the police department is short-staffed.

Adler outlined several recent building and equipment problems with estimated repair costs. He said the NVR system that controls door locks and cameras failed but was repaired under warranty; the blower motor for a hot-water heater required parts costing about $2,700 (labor not included); and a diesel backup generator failed during a cold snap, with a required part costing about $1,000 that was not covered by warranty. Adler noted that a more comprehensive ("platinum") maintenance package that would have covered the generator is still available for purchase and that Public Works Director Arity may take over city building maintenance responsibilities.

On vehicle maintenance, Adler said the current remount needs paint, which is expected to take three to four weeks, and that the unit will go to Everest for two to three weeks for work. He added that remounts do not include inverters and that the department has experienced some inverter issues.

Adler presented monthly statistics and invoices for January 2026 and said call volume is down compared with last year by about 60 calls; February was trending similarly. He also reported changes in 911 transfer patterns involving the VA and noted that Badgerland took most of Sparta's transfers. The department currently provides half of the Town of Adrian's ambulance service and has offered to take on full service.

Councilman Richard Yarrington asked about creating a vehicle replacement fund. City Treasurer Justin Derhammer said he would investigate the mechanics of creating such a fund and provide more information at the next meeting; final action on creating the fund was postponed.

Motions to approve the Oct. 30, 2025 minutes and to approve the director's report were made and carried (motions by Richard Yarrington/Jeff Cram and Jeff Cram/Brede Sorenson, respectively). The commission adjourned at 6:11 PM after a motion by Brede Sorenson, seconded by Rick Murray.

The commission did not record roll-call vote tallies in the minutes. Treasurer Derhammer is expected to return with details on the proposed vehicle replacement fund at the commission's next meeting.