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Rural fire boards blamed for EMS budget, organization problems

The assessment says lack of turnover in rural fire boards, which often govern EMS services, is causing poor functionality

Fremont Tribune

CASS COUNTY, Neb. — As with any business or operation, adequate budgets are a must for Cass County EMS providers, according to PrioriHealth Partners, LLP’s assessment of local services.

Budgeting for EMS units in Cass County rests with 12 rural fire district boards, each with five members. “That means there are 60 different individuals situated throughout the county who are responsible under state law for determining emergency medical transport service operations, practices and financing in the county,” the assessment reads.

In addition, each transport system has a designated captain/chief, bringing the total to at least 72 people who are managing these services within the county, in addition to Plattsmouth. “We received consistent messages that the rural fire district boards are not functioning well. There are issues regarding equipment acquisition without bids, the variance of funding between EMS and fire suppression sides of a department, and the use of all the revenue that is generated by the public,” the study reads.

Full story: Assessment faults rural fire boards for EMS budget, organization problems