Monday, September 14, 2026
46.0°F

BCEMS moves forward in separation from county

CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 5 months AGO
by CHLOE COCHRAN
| April 3, 2025 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — Bonner County EMS continues to make headway in separating itself from the county by discussing and tabling a contract to work with a third-party company for its bookkeeping and payroll services.  

Wednesday’s meeting agenda followed the outline set forth by the board and district March 13, reserving the first meeting of the month for approving bills and urgent items. The second meeting of the month, on April 16, will be used to update the community on the BCEMS ongoing progress report, high priority task items and any other relevant information.  

Deputy Chief Alan Brinkmeier presented FY25 claims batch No. 25, which totaled $9,414.22. Big ticket item of the batch was a payment of $3,012 to Bonner General Health for pharmacy orders.  

Chief Jeff Lindsey brought forth to the board a request to enter into an agreement with Jennifer R Wyman LLC for bookkeeping and payroll services. This agreement would allow BCEMS to outsource its bookkeeping and payroll services instead of utilizing the Bonner County clerk’s office. This agreement would cost the district a $600 setup fee and a monthly fee of $1,200.  

County commissioners moved to table the approval of Wyman’s services for April 9, allowing Chief Lindsey additional time to reach out to BCEMS’ legal representation for input on the matter. Discussions for Wyman’s services will occur after the EMS fee increase hearing at 11:30 a.m.  

To finish the meeting, Lindsey shared a financial forecast of the district through FY2025. As it stands, the district has an estimated $1,408,366 in cash, over $600,000 more than they were projected to have by the end of March. The BCEMS chief also told county commissioners that, at the end of the fiscal year, the district is projected to have an estimated $884,366 net balance.   

ARTICLES BY CHLOE COCHRAN

Split vote denies vacation request
September 12, 2026 1 a.m.

Split vote denies vacation request

A split vote between Bonner County commissioners has resulted in a denial of a requested easement vacation for a Kootenai subdivision during a land use hearing Sept. 9.

Bonner County ranks third in summer road fatalities
September 12, 2026 1 a.m.

Bonner County ranks third in summer road fatalities

There were eight fatalities on roads in Bonner County this summer. According to Idaho Transportation Department statistics, it's the third-highest total in the state for the "100 deadliest days" between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Fair discusses rental house removal
September 11, 2026 1 a.m.

Fair discusses rental house removal

In a quick special meeting with the Fair board, Bonner County commissioners determined who needed to sign off for the removal of an old rental house on the county’s fairground property.