Chickasaw County Public Ambulance Secures Financial Support

While not all cities have pledged their financial support for a county-run, public ambulance service in Chickasaw County, there’s now some concrete backing for the project.

During a special meeting Wednesday, the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors approved individual 28E agreements with Bassett, Fredericksburg, Ionia, Lawler, New Hampton and North Washington. Each initial contract calls for the cities to, collectively, provide about 60% of the regular operating costs of the ambulance for five years, with the County paying 40%. 

With Nashua and Alta Vista both opting out of participation, Supervisor Jacob Hackman expressed concern about the County serving all of its citizens.

Supervisor Chair Matt Kuhn recognized that concern, but said efforts were made to try to bridge the gap, while Supervisor Jason Byrne hoped things could change down the road.  

Each 28E agreement was approved on a 3-to-1 vote with Hackman voting no each time. Supervisor Tim Zoll could not attend the meeting.

Supervisors also approved contracting with Iowa Falls EMS Director Corey Larson to advise the County on how to staff and get the ambulance service up and running by January 1, 2023.