By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Discussion of the agreement between Junction City and Geary County regarding emergency service issues is on the city commission agenda Tuesday night. There is disagreement over the amount to be paid by the County.
In the information provided for city commission review this week City Manager Allen Dinkel stated, "At the present time nearly 80% of the cos of EMS is paid by City property taxes and 20% from the rest of Geary County. With the amount the County has paid and what they are proposing this will increase to 85 to 90% from Junction City property owners.
"The one service provided by the City of Junction City for the entire County is the most economical, most professional, and most complete service available. Other options increase costs and the number of services could lessen for those outside of the City of Junction City, " said Dinkel. He wants discussion in an open public meeting but is willing to talk about the matter with the city commission in an executive session.
Dinkel is making a series of recommendations to the city commission.
--"The amount of $354,911.62 be paid to the City of Junction City by Geary County by 12:00 Noon on Friday, December 29, 2023. If this payment is not made Emergency Medical Services will be discontinued to the area outside of the City limits of Junction City at 11:59 P.M. on Sunday, December 31, 2023.
--The payment to the City for services rendered in November of 2023 are to be paid by 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 12, 2024. If this payment is not made Emergency Medical Services will be discontinued to the area outside of the City limits of Junction City at 11:59 P.M. on January 14, 2024. If the County wishes to have a flat rate for the previous calculation a rate of $150,000 that month would be applied.
--The payment to the City for services rendered in December of 2023 are to be paid by 12:00 Noon on Friday, February 9, 2024. If this payment is not made Emergency Medical Services will be discontinued to the area outside of the City limits of Junction City at 11:59 P.M. on February 11, 2024. If the County wishes to have a flat rate for the previous calculation a rate of $150,000 that month would be applied.
--For services in calendar year 2024, since their was a desire by Geary County to go to a monthly set fee, I would suggest payment of $165,000 per month to be received from Geary County by the 25th of each month. If any payments are more than 30 days delinquent, the Emergency Medical Services will be discontinued to the area outside of the City limits."
The city manager said the City could continue with the present billing procedure that has been utilized for the past few years. In that case he suggested the 30-day period as well.
Dinkel also encouraged continued negotiations with the County on new agreements with Emergency Medical Services, Jail and the 911 Board.
The City Commission meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 70 North Jefferson.