Ambulance contractor seeks two year subsidy increase of $150K

American Medical Rescue representative cites inflationary pressure as reason for increased budget request. (Journal file photo)

By Charlene Sims, info@linncountyjournal.com

MOUND CITY – The Linn County Commission discussed the proposed American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance serve contract for 2026 with AMR operating manager Dawn Brooks on Monday, June 23. 

Commissioners did not make any decision on the contract, which renews January 2026.

The proposal that Brooks presented to the commissioners will continue to provide two staffed advanced life support (ALS) ambulances 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ambulances will be staffed with an emergency medical technician (EMT) and an AEMT or a paramedic. A 24/7 support vehicle will also be provided on the west side of Linn County.

The proposal stated that operational costs have risen due to inflationary pressure, increased personnel expenses, and the need to update medical equipment and vehicle maintenance. Due to the increases, a subsidy increase of $150,000 over two calendar years would allow AMR to maintain operations and preserve financial stability. 

AMR proposes extending the current service agreement for a period of five years and as a part of this extension an additional $75,000 annual increase is requested for the first two years. This would make the annual subsidy for January 2026 $1.175 million and for January 2027 $1.25 million. 

Brooks said that after the first two years, AMR would reevaluate financially and see if any additional costs needed to be added.

Commission Chair Jim Johnson asked if either party could get out of the contract at any time.

Brooks said there might be a 30-day waiting period.

Johnson pointed out that was an increase of $6,250 per month. 

Johnson asked if AMR’s reimbursements were going up with Medicaid or anything.

Brooks answered that there was no increase with reimbursement for insurance. She said that the call volume had not increase, which was a good thing, but costs continue to increase. She said the call volume had stayed at about 800 calls a year for the last two or three years.