Brad Milligan

The meeting addressed several key areas through agency reports. CFVEMS reported difficulties over the summer, planning a new EMT class for January, and noted they acquired a replacement truck for $210,000. Call statistics and transport destinations were shared. Red Lodge Fire Rescue (RLFR) reported on their EMT classes, an upcoming CALS event, and confirmed they have placed an order for a new ambulance. Joliet EMS reported that county funding is significantly assisting their operations, allowing them to cover mutual aid zones, but they require new radios due to system upgrades. Joliet EMS also discussed implementing a 'response or activation' fee for patients who deny transport, which prompted discussion among the board members. The board commended Joliet EMS for their handling of a recent tragic accident. It was agreed that future meetings should occur only twice per year, with the next meeting scheduled for January in Joliet.

The special meeting focused on resetting the method for levying voted mills pursuant to HB231 and SB542 legislation. Discussions detailed changes in property taxes, explaining different formulas and long-term effects for both the EMS Board and the Rural Fire Board. The EMS Board voted unanimously to recommend Option 1 to the commissioners, which involves converting the levy to be subject to section 15-10-420, resulting in an increased ambulance tax revenue and a levy of 18.95 mills. The Rural Fire Board also passed a resolution approving Option 1 for their mill reset. A second item involved the approval for the Rural Fire Department (RLFR) to place an order for a new ambulance costing $354,000, with payment deferred until delivery.

Key discussions during the meeting included a report on a recent CFVEMS accident and related public inquiries. Business items covered the reappointment of two board members. Agency reports provided operational updates: Red Lodge (RLFR) reported on call volume, upcoming EMT and advanced life support classes, cabinet configuration issues with a new ambulance, and the planned establishment of a critical incident response team. It was also announced that the Red Lodge/Roberts Ambulance District would be dissolved effective June 30th. Joliet EMS reported on its YTD statistics, noting a significant reduction in dropped calls, and mentioned the successful publication of their first newsletter. Additional topics included insurance concerns regarding the damaged CFV ambulance and a decision to revisit the critical topic of workers' compensation for volunteers at the next meeting.

The meeting included a review of the Treasurer's Report for FY 25-26 through December 31, noting that the apparatus and line of credit will be paid off this year, and approved a bill payment list totaling $729,949.69. The Board approved the renewal of the annual line of credit at $300,000. In unfinished business, it was noted that there is no movement regarding the City Fire Agreement/Capital Resort Expenditures. Under new business, the Fire District confirmed receipt of an approved community funding grant of $1.95 million, which requires an $800,000 match for station upgrades. The Board authorized moving forward with negotiations to trade a portion of a neighboring lot for a piece of the seller's lot. Additionally, the Board approved sending out Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for architectural services and committed up to $150,000 in yearly capital mill as collateral for a ten-year loan not to exceed $800,000 to match the community funding grant.

Key discussions included a review and approval of the financial report, noting significant mobilization billing owed from EMAC and DNRC assignments. The board reviewed the fiscal year 2024-2025 Year End Report. Unfinished business involved updates on the Ambulance District Service Fee, where county funding is proving helpful, and discussions regarding the City Fire Agreement, focusing on annexation into the rural fire district. The Capital Improvement Plan review highlighted the immediate need for two command vehicles and one fuel vehicle, budgeted for the current fiscal year, with a rescue truck and ambulance planned for the next cycle. Progress on a congressional grant application for a new fire station, which has a high probability of approval, was noted, contingent upon securing adjacent lots and matching approximately one million dollars. New business included approving a resolution for new credit cards due to integration and limit issues with the current provider. The Chief reported on personnel changes and recruitment efforts to increase the number of fire volunteers.