Support for the local ambulance service

We are writing this letter with questions and concerns regarding the possible change in ambulance service for Kimball County.

Is giving up local control for something as important as the ambulance service a good idea? We currently have two ambulances available in case of a multi-person accident call or if two calls come within a short time of each other. Would a provider out of Scottsbluff provide the same level of service? With increasing ambulance calls over the last two years, and with the interstate, highway and county road traffic that our county has, the ambulances are a critical service to provide.

The current staff for the ambulances are paid at the lower on-call rate until a call comes in. Would a provider out of Scottsbluff have the same pay structure for ambulance staff? If they don’t, would the rate charged for an ambulance call be considerably more? Possibly two or three times more? These could be devastating charges to local families on fixed or limited incomes.

The current ambulance staff has worked hard at maintaining the training and equipment required to stay within government regulations. They are familiar with the local streets and roads and our community. Would a service out of Scottsbluff have the same knowledge of our community?

We understand current lower revenue for the county will require changes in the county budget. Considering a taxing district for the ambulance may be something the people of Kimball County would support before giving up our current ambulance service.

Respectfully submitted,

Jerry and Lana Anderson