Junction City and Geary Commissioners have agreed to meet in the near future to resolve differences over financial calculations owed on payment for EMS services. The County has also adopted a resolution authorizing payment of $ 447, 654.64 , which is the county's calculation owed based on numbers received from the City. That development occurred during discussion at a joint meeting Monday evening. The two governing bodies will also review the joint agreement on EMS services, that dates clear back to 1967.
The consensus followed recent Junction City Commission action to send a letter to the County demanding payment of approximately $802,566 for back EMS services owed or the City would have to consider suspending EMS services outside of the city limits.
All parties were supportive of the EMS service. Mayor Pat Landes said, "We need to provide high quality service for everyone in the county."
Commissioner Trish Giordano observed that some things were not adding up and if their numbers aren't right show the county. "We are responsible for the taxpayers money." She felt the issue had caused a lot of undue stress, especially when the two entities were still in negotiations. She also noted her belief that the EMS was licensed to provide service to all of Geary County.
City Commissioner Ronna Larson said the city and county have to be able to come together, sit down and be open to ideas and solutions.
Moving forward County Commission Chairman Keith Ascher said maybe it's time for an open meeting on this issue. "He noted, "This is giving the community a black eye." He added officials need to figure out what they're going to do.