Government : Benton County Board of Supervisors Minutes 3/4/25 EMS

March 4, 2025

A joint meeting between the Board of Supervisors and the EMS Advisory Council met on March 4, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the EOC at the Sheriff's Office. Supervisor Seeman, Tippett and Volz were all three in attendance. Chairman Seeman called the meeting to order.

The main topic for discussion was how the funds are disbursed equally among all the First Responders and Transport Services. There are also outside agencies who often respond to calls in Benton County if they are closer, or the county's transport services are out on other calls. It was debated back and forth how to make it fair with those entities as well as our county services who respond to calls outside of the county. The overall goal is to provide the best services possible and utilize the closest available ambulances to respond. The consensus of the group for being the most important need is to have more first responders in our county, and ways to recruit and provide the necessary training. There was also talk about the purchasing of "fly cars" that can be of great help responding to calls also.

FY 26 Budget was discussed along with how claims are to be paid through the Auditor's office after the Board of Supervisors approve them.

Volz moved//Tippett seconded: To adjourn at 7:31 p.m. Motion carried.

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor