BOCC approves emergency loan to save Bonner County EMS
Bonner County Commissioners celebrate the opening of the new Bonner County EMS building on Sept. 6. Friday, commissioners passed an emergency loan to keep Bonner County EMS afloat.
Bonner County EMS received a lifeline of funding during an emergency Bonner County Board of Commissioners meeting Friday night, Nov. 8.
The board unanimously passed a resolution that Bonner County apply for a tax anticipation loan in the amount of $2 million to fund Bonner County EMS. The loan would act as a safety net for Bonner County EMS allowing them to operate until late January when they receive a tranche of funds from taxes.
Bonner County EMS were informed that they had run out of money Thursday, Nov. 7, at around noon, according to Bonner County EMS Chief Jeff Lindsey.
The county then added an extra $401,000 from the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund.
According to Mike Rosedale, that money would cover two pay cycles for EMS staff.
While the board originally looked at a potential reduction in force resolution that would have cut six personnel from Bonner County EMS, they decided against the resolution.
Instead, they unanimously passed a resolution to have no force reduction at this time, choosing to retain personnel through the holidays and bring the subject of force reduction back up for deliberation in late December.
This is a breaking news story and more information is forthcoming.