Koochiching County ready to proceed with support and services district for land ambulance services

Another step toward Koochiching County residents paying for ambulance services.

The County’s Board of Commissioners has given its blessing to a support and service district that allows the County to contract out for ambulance services and charge residents a fee.

It is seen as a move to help the International Falls Ambulance Service recover from deficits caused by low insurance reimbursements.

County Administrator Adam Coe says with the Commissioners’ approval, they can take the next steps.

“Once…a district’s created, then we would need to move forward to contract for ambulance services and also decide on how we would collect that money,” says Coe.

That could be a service charge or an amount based on property valuation.

The County is also establishing a committee to oversee the negotiations for ambulance services.

Coe says final approval would still come from the full board.

“The terms would come back to the full board for consideration, just like any other negotiation for a contract to consider for approval.”

Minnesota State Statute requires a 30-day waiting period before the County can proceed.