BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL
The Blaine County Ambulance District might be vague to some people. Basically, it serves the community by providing funding for 24/7 emergency medical care through each of the county’s separate fire stations. Governed by Blaine County Commissioners Muffy Davis, Angenie McCleary and Lindsay Mollineaux, along with three medical advisors, as the Ambulance District Board, the Ambulance District is essentially a funding mechanism, as each fire department owns and operates its emergency vehicles. It is also its own taxing district.
Recently, the Blaine County Commissioners approved a ballot initiative asking voters to approve a two-year temporary override tax levy to support the Ambulance District. Voters will have a chance to weigh in on Tuesday, May 19. The proposed levy would cost property owners $6.72 per $100,000 of assessed property value, or approximately $53.78 per year for an $800,000 home.
Ambulance call volume and operating costs have increased significantly, while existing revenue has not kept pace. Without the passage of the levy, the Ambulance District could be insolvent within two years, according to the Blaine County website. This could “potentially force reduced staffing or coverage, which could lead to longer response times, especially during peak seasons, or when multiple emergencies occur at once,” the website states.
Some changes that have already occurred due to consolidation have included the renaming of Wood River Fire & Rescue to the Blaine County South Fire Protection District. It covers the mid-south valley, while farther southern and eastern corridors are served by Carey Rural Fire & Rescue. The other departments are the Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley fire departments, and the Smiley Creek Fire Department.
One issue of concern for residents is the double nature of the deal. The Ambulance District doesn’t control any physical assets. Deployment, staffing, and equipment replacement remain the duty of the fire department involved. The Ambulance District can’t divert active resources or make logistical calls in an emergency setting. It can only set contract terms and then fund the action. Any operational authority is in the hands of the actual department involved. This separation is where the rubber meets the road with a little friction.
For more than 30 years, the proposed consolidation of four of the seven fire departments has been under discussion and up for a vote at least once. The bill continues to float with a historic lack of clear explanation and precise numbers showing how the consolidation will benefit Valley residents and justify the additional tax.
Public hearings may yet occur, or the commissioners could opt for a board vote rather than a public ballot.
