Bonner County Ambulance District proposes 20% fee increase to address rising costs

The Bonner County ambulance taxing district held a public hearing on April 9, 2025, to discuss proposed fee increases for emergency medical services (EMS). The meeting commenced at 9:00 AM, with Chief Lindsay leading the discussion on the necessity of these increases.

Chief Lindsay explained that this was a second attempt to raise fees, following feedback from a previous meeting. He clarified that the last fee increase occurred in 2020, not 2017 as initially thought. Since then, the district has experienced a significant rise in call volume and operational costs, largely due to inflation and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that inflation has increased approximately 15% since 2020, which has contributed to the need for higher rates.

The Chief highlighted that billing revenue constitutes 40% of the district's budget, and the current financial situation has led to the erosion of reserves. The proposed fee increases aim to address these financial challenges and stabilize the district's budget. He presented data showing a consistent increase in billing revenue from 2021 to 2025, attributing some of this growth to an annual increase from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the rising number of emergency calls.

The meeting underscored the urgency of the proposed fee adjustments as the district seeks to maintain its operational viability and ensure continued service to the community. Further discussions and decisions regarding the fee increases are expected in upcoming meetings.