EMS, Ambulance service, and Symons discussed

Wisconsin law allows the county to levy outside of the allowable levy limit for a countywide emergency medical system per Wisconsin State Statue. Through discussions with municipalities served by the Richland Ambulance Service, it was found that many can no longer afford to provide this service and are asking Richland County to fund the service outside of the levy limit. James Small from the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health presented how municipalities can do this to the Richland County Executive & Finance Committee at last night’s (Tuesday) meeting. For municipalities that currently get their EMS Service from a different service would then be reimbursed from the county for tax dollars collected by the county for that municipality. The committee then discussed how it may work and had different questions. Administrator Tricia Clements then said that the report would be in by the 30th and they would know more at that time. The committee will have further discussion in April. A decision will need to be made prior to 2027 budget planning which begins in late March/early April with Capital Improvement Planning.

Every four years, State Statute requires the County Board to establish the total annual compensation for elected officials prior to the filing of nomination papers. Elections for the Coroner, Sheriff and Clerk of Circuit Court are in the fall of 2026. Nominations papers can be circulated beginning April 15. The proposed salary for both the Sheriff and Clerk of Court is a 10% percent increase the first year with an annual 5% increase for the remainder of the term. The coroners pay increase would go to $8 plus $100 a call and $30 per cremation, plus an annual increase of 4% in the remaining three years. These recommendations will be forwarded to the full board for approval.

Exceptions to the compensatory changes were requested for the Pine Valley staff that have the ability to work the floor in the event of a call in by Pine Valley Administrator Brittany Paulus. She stated that comp time simply shifts the gap to another day and reduces leadership presence later. Paying the hourly rate at the time worked is the most operationally sound and fiscally responsible approach. The Executive Committee approved sending this proposal onto the full board for approval.

The committee also discussed funding of the Symons Recreation Complex. The city and county format of organization is not sustainable and the city desires to no longer be an agent of Symons. Following a comprehensive study by Symons, it has been suggested that they move to a non-profit model or to go under the umbrella of the school district.

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