WALLACE — Concerns over ambulance funding and purchasing decisions resurfaced during a recent meeting between the Shoshone County commissioners and members of the Shoshone County Ambulance Service District (SCASD). 

Last month, the commissioners met with Shoshone County District 2 Fire Chief Scott Dietrich, who informed them that SCASD lacked the funds to cover the cost of four ambulances ordered over the past year. 

Dietrich said SCASD had overestimated its annual budget by roughly $800,000 when placing the orders. 

The ambulances were ordered separately from two companies. Two are expected to arrive in late summer or early fall. One has been partially paid for with grant funds but still carries a remaining balance. The county currently owes $867,120 for the other three ambulances and the balance on the fourth. 

Dietrich previously proposed a seven-year loan to cover the purchases, suggesting SCASD could manage the annual payments. Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman expressed uncertainty about whether such a loan was permissible under Idaho Code and raised concerns about its structure. 

“You take a seven-year loan and you got four ambulances,” Zimmerman said. “Are you cross-collateralizing them, or are you individually purchasing each one?” 

Zimmerman said if the ambulances were purchased as a single order, the county might not be able to access the titles until the loan was paid off, rather than receiving them individually. 

During the previous meeting, Dietrich mentioned that US Bank returned the most favorable loan/lease offer of $147,412 per year for seven years, which, reportedly, is feasible within SCASD’s annual budget.   

Frustration also emerged over the purchasing process. As an advisory board, SCASD cannot make decisions without commissioner approval. The commissioners had authorized the purchase of two ambulances, including one funded by a grant. However, they did not approve the second purchase, which Dietrich said he was directed to make by the SCASD board. 

SCASD board members said they bypassed the commissioners to meet a deadline before vehicle prices increased significantly. 

Board member Jay Huber said signing for the second pair of ambulances before Jan. 1 saved between $60,000 and $80,000 per vehicle. To secure the deal, SCASD paid a $60,000 down payment for the chassis. If the county backs out, it would not receive a refund but would retain ownership of the chassis. 

Zimmerman emphasized that even if SCASD had the funds, the purchase required commissioner approval. 

“It’s like any other elected official,” Zimmerman said. “If they want to do a capital purchase, it has to come before the board.” 

Huber suggested the commissioners use some of the county's remaining Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) money to help SCASD avoid debt. 

“I know we’re hurting for money,” Huber said. “But I believe you have $2.5 million in your (LATCF Fund), and if you don’t want to get the loan, maybe you could give us some of that.” 

Dietrich and District 1 Fire Chief John Miller said the county’s current ambulance fleet is deteriorating. Miller noted the county lacks enough vehicles to rotate them in and out of service, which would extend their lifespan and allow for proper maintenance. 

Dietrich said ambulances typically last about 10 years. Purchasing four and rotating them with the current fleet should sustain operations for several years. 

Despite all of the concerns over funding and approval, SCASD board member Jim Shields didn't waver on the county's need for new vehicles. 

“I don’t think we have a choice,” Shields said. “Ours are wearing out so bad. One life is worth how many ambulances?” 

The commissioners had Shoshone County Deputy Prosecutor Britney Jacobs meet with SCASD in executive session this week to discuss the purchases and next steps. Once a plan is finalized, SCASD will return to the commissioners for further action.