Flandreau City Council members have a big decision ahead at their next regular meeting. If you’re interested in the future of the long-standing county-run ambulance service — or in knowing who might respond when you need emergency care — it will be a meeting worth attending or tuning into virtually.

The Situation
The Moody County Ambulance service has been losing money for years. As a non-mandated service, the county is not required to provide it, but it has done so since 1989. Notably, the county originally took over operations because the private company running it at the time was also losing money.
This challenge isn’t unique to Moody County. Across the state and country, ambulance services are shutting down due to financial struggles. Running a profitable ambulance service is tough, which is why many private providers are exiting the business and public providers are looking at how to continue to operate a sustainable service. As a result, communities like ours — Moody County — are being forced to find solutions.

The Challenges
Emergency medical service providers often struggle to recoup costs, particularly due to low reimbursement rates for certain types of calls. Here in Moody County, those financial losses — combined with staffing shortages and a lack of a suitable, updated facility to house ambulances and staff — have been long-standing issues.

The City’s Role
A year and a half ago, the county requested a stipend from the City of Flandreau to help sustain and improve ambulance services, citing financial losses and the fact that most calls come from within city limits. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe already provides an annual $10,000 stipend to support the service.
For various reasons, the city did not respond to the county’s request, and both sides failed to follow up. That changed this past fall when the issue came to a head.
In December, county commissioners voted to offer the ambulance service — and everything that comes with it — to the City of Flandreau. At least three commissioners, representing largely rural constituencies, believe it’s time for the city to take on the responsibility. The city has until the end of February to respond.

What Happens Next?
At its most recent meeting, the Ambulance Task Force voted to recommend that the City of Flandreau take over operations. Flandreau Avera Hospital & Clinics has also pledged a $15,000 annual subsidy to support whoever runs the service.

Committee member Linnea Janssen said she believes now is the time, citing options for financing, garage locations, and staffing. Alderman Yeaton agreed, adding that negotiations have helped strengthen the city-county relationship, which could be beneficial in the long run.
Regardless of the vote’s outcome, officials have promised that ambulance services will continue. The details — funding, operations, and oversight — still need to be worked out, but all parties have pledged to find a solution.
At least one city council member has publicly stated he will not vote in favor of the recommendation. At least one county resident is concerned there isn’t enough voting representation for county residents on the city’s task force. Commissioners have largely stated they feel it’s best they abstain from voting on any recommendation given the county is the one extending the offer.
Despite any disagreements, city, county, tribal, and local hospital officials have all assured that some form of service agreement will be reached, and ambulance services will continue.
For more information on past discussions, visit cityofflandreau.com and click on Ambulance Task Force under the Government tab.