By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Junction City Commissioners have approved a motion asking Geary County to withdraw a resolution that accompanied their last EMS service payment, and that they pay all 2023 EMS bills by Feb. 16th, 2024 That would give the city commission time to revisit the matter at their Feb. 20th meeting. A flat fee of $165,000 would be charged to the County per month in January and February, while officials work through the issue. They would also want work by staff on new EMS, Jail and 911 Board agreements.
Commissioner Jeff Underhill made the motion which did not include any action to cut EMS service to rural parts of the county. Underhill stated, "We're being a little more compassionate." Commissioner Ronna Larson seconded the motion.
The move by the city comes on the heels of the recent disagreement between the City and County over the amount of EMS fees to be paid by the County,
City Manager Allen Dinkel pointed out that 71% of the County's 2/3 share of the EMS costs come from Junction City taxpayers. He has suggested that there be a flat rate for EMS costs and that a joint service is the only way to go. He also squelched local rumors that there would be cuts in people and no raises. That action will not happen.
Commissioner Ronna Larson made it clear that she is not comfortable and does not favor discontinuing EMS service in the rural areas of the County if the bill is not paid by a certain date. The motion approved by the commission did not include any deadline of that type.
Mayor Pat Landes noted that at the end of the day they have to pay the bills, and the two entities have to work this out.
Commissioner Bob Story said the EMS was an awesome service provided to the County at a discounted price.