Junction City and Geary County Commissioners have been at odds over payment of EMS fees by the county. Last week the city commission approved a motion telling the County to pay all of their bills for the EMS services due in 2023 in full and pay $165,000 per month for 2024 until there is a permanent contract in place. If that couldn't be agreed on by the County the City would discontinue EMS service by Feb. 20 at 11:59 p.m.
In response on Monday the Geary County Commission approved a motion by Commissioner Alex Tyson authorizing the county counselor's office to pursue available remedies in law and equity in seeking to resolve the ongoing EMS dispute. "We have to look at the health and safety of this county. We can't let an individual or individuals be the deciding factor in that." Tyson also praised the work of the personnel doing the EMS work.
Commissioner Keith Ascher noted that he is tired off the situation and frustrated about it. He also noted he city and county staffs get along and seem to have understanding. "And yet the city commission won't listen to the staff for what is coming out of those meetings that's frustrating to me."
Commissioner Trish Giordano wants a special meeting with the Junction City Commission to review the details and she also noted that the City bill for EMS service is wrong which is why the County hasn't paid it. Alex Tyson called for some give and take and some negotiating with the two sides.
Geary County Finance Director Tami Robison provided a power point presentation. She noted that the City had budgeted two million for the County to pay for the service but the County budgeted $1.5 million. Approximately 60% of the population resides within the city and 75% of the assessed valuation is in the city. About 84% of the calls for service came from within the city.
Under an existing agreement the County pays two thirds of the cost and the City one-third. The County pays 67% but it was noted that the City argued it is not a partnership but a contract and the County doesn't have any say in that budget. To be a partnership what is an equitable percentage of cost? Does the tw0 thirds one third split make sense?
All of the commissioners have praised the quality of the service being provided.