Fitchrona EMS District Commission Meeting - July 16, 2026

[The Fitchrona EMS District Commission met on Thursday, July 16, 2026, to discuss and act on a range of operational and financial matters. The meeting included the swearing-in of new EMS personnel, review of the Chief's report, approvals of the GASB resolution and checks, purchase of a Stryker power cot and auto-loader, tabling of a part-time paramedic MOU, approval of a 3% increase in ambulance service rates for 2027, and approval of the 2027 budget submittal to member municipalities.]

Swearing-In and Pinning of New Personnel

• Chiara Cherry and Natalie Simek were sworn in as EMT interns and received their badges. Katerina (last name not stated) was pinned as a paramedic after completing the district's paramedic program. Mentors were recognized for each.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of June 18, 2026 Minutes: A motion was made and seconded; all voted aye, none opposed. Minutes approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were submitted.

Discussion Items

• Chief's Report: The Chief reported 448 calls for the previous month (down 2% but still a busy month). Highlights included community events (Boys & Girls Club, Verona PD bike rodeo), ongoing mutual aid exceeding last year's numbers, station #2 as busiest, aging receivables reduced to a more manageable level, and a grievance process moving to arbitration with a hearing scheduled for late September. The at-destination to unit-in-service time was 11.6 minutes, noted as commendable. A commissioner inquired about the 180-day aging goal of 3%; the Chief noted the goal may be unrealistic and will consult auditors. Discussion ensued on collection rates (43-53% overall) and tax interception through the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• GASB Resolution: The resolution (accounting for sick leave liability) was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.
• Checks Approval: The check register (about five pages) was approved by motion and seconded; all voted aye.
• Purchase of Stryker Power Cot and Auto-Loader: The Chief proposed using unassigned fund balance to purchase a power cot ($76,158.01 including a three-year preventive maintenance program) and auto-loader, with delivery of the auto-loader delayed ~12 months to preserve warranty. A trade-in of the old cot and auto-loader (approx. $8,000) is included. The purchase will reduce unassigned fund balance from ~40% to still above 35%. A commissioner noted the cost is less than a plug-in hybrid car but justified by safety and workers' comp savings. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Part-Time Paramedic MOU: Discussion was deferred for one month to allow further negotiations with 311 regarding benefit details and definition of hours. A motion to table was moved and seconded; all voted aye except one nay.
• Ambulance Service Rates for 2027: The Chief proposed a 3% increase across six rate categories (base rate resident/non-resident, mileage, treat and no transport, no transport, and special event rate). The increase is intended to move closer to a 50/50 split between run revenue and municipal contributions. Commissioners asked about Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, the percentage of uninsured patients, and comparability to neighboring communities; the Chief stated the rates are about average. A motion to approve the 3% increase was made, seconded, and passed.
• 2027 Budget Discussion: The Chief presented a proposed 2027 operating budget targeting a tax levy increase of 4.6-4.7%. Key changes from the prior month included removing a proposed doubling of the medical director fee and instead adding two additional peak-time day trucks (staffed with LTEs) for two days per week, with a long-term plan to convert to permanent part-time positions over five years. The budget also reflects a 10% increase in health/dental insurance. Apportionments (Fitchburg 63.6%, Verona 32.2%, Town of Fitchburg 4.1%) were calculated using averaged 2023-2025 data per the new intergovernmental agreement. A commissioner questioned the removal of the medical director expansion; the Chief explained the trade-off and noted that additional medical director days could be funded via a one-time resolution using unassigned fund balance. The budget submittal was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: June 18, 2026 minutes; GASB resolution; checks; purchase of Stryker power cot and auto-loader; 3% ambulance rate increase for 2027; submittal of 2027 budget to municipalities.
• Tabled: Part-time paramedic MOU (until next meeting).
• Next Steps: Chief to follow up on aging receivables goals, collection agency percentages, uninsured patient statistics, and comparability of rates with neighboring communities. Potential resolution for additional medical director days to be explored.