BONNER COUNTY, Idaho — Uncertainty surrounding the future of ambulance service in Bonner County is creating some controversy.
Currently, the county operates Bonner EMS, an ambulance service that provides 911, critical care, and inter-facility transports across the county. Bonner County commissioner Dan McDonald has said that the county is looking at changing that in an effort to provide better service to taxpayers.
McDonald had told the Bonner County Daily Bee that the county is shifting towards turning its system over to a nonprofit group called "North Valley EMS" that would provide service to both Bonner and Boundary Counties. The move comes after Bonner County EMS' former chief reportedly resigned earlier this month. McDonald has since named an interim replacement.
"All we have done to date is hire an interim director. We have been researching EMS options for some time as we do with every department, looking for better ways to provide services at a lower cost," said McDonald in an email to KREM.
The situation sparked a response from Selkirk Fire and EMS, the fire agency that services Sandpoint and other areas of Bonner County.
On its Facebook page, the agency wrote: "Selkirk Fire would like those who live in Bonner County to contact the County Commissioners and ask for a transparent and open process when it comes to EMS delivery. A certain County Commissioner is making claims about fire based EMS that are not true. The public should be involved in what type of EMS delivery system they would like to see in Bonner County. There really should be a 'request for proposal' process."
Selkirk's chief, Ron Stocking, told KREM that his agency was "concerned" about some comments made by an unnamed commissioner. Stocking had said that Selkirk isn't part of the county's process when it comes to deciding EMS service and that his knowledge of the situation related to media reports.
“Whatever the county chooses, we want it to be open and transparent,” Stocking said.
"Unfortunately, the Chief of Selkirk is upset because we didn't find his proposal to be a functional solution for our County," McDonald said to KREM. "It's interesting that he wants to see a request for proposal when we have proposals including one from Selkirk fire. It's really just sour grapes."
McDonald added that there have not been any violations of open meeting laws. "As with everything we do, it all goes through legal," he said.
In regard to how EMS services are operated and funded in our area, each county is different. Bonner County draws funds from an EMS levy, which is one of the highest in the state according to a local EMS source.
McDonald had told the Daily Bee that Bonner County EMS services were over the county's levy rate by roughly $300,000.
When asked if any potential EMS changes would affect taxpayers, McDonald said that nothing would change except better management and service. "If or when the deal is approved, taxpayers should see better service and some savings," he said.
McDonald added that there currently isn't a time frame related to the county's decision on EMS service. A public meeting would be held regarding the situation, he said. "We are walking [slowly] through this so we can make sure we are managing for success and not failure," McDonald said.