SANPOINT — The Bonner County Ambulance District took steps forward Wednesday after county commissioners approved a letter allowing it to obtain quotes for several insurance categories. Among other things, the board discussed an increased non-resident fee and a high priority task list.  

Week after week, the ambulance district makes an effort to appropriately separate themselves from the county after being treated like a department for 20 years. Treating the district like a department ultimately resulted in the loss of EMS funds, creating a financial crisis.  

Bonner County EMS Chief Jeff Lindsey brought forward a request to sign a producer record letter with John Naccarato, Idaho Counties Risk Management Program representative. The record letter will allow ICRMP to provide a property and casual insurance quote for BCAD.  

The district has been working with ICRMP for the last several months in an attempt to get a separate insurance quote from the county, an effort that would further distinguish the district as a district, not a department.  

Commissioners Brian Domke, Asia Williams and Ron Korn voted in approval of the action item. 

Under miscellaneous business, Lindsey brought up the discussion of a fee schedule update. The updated schedule proposed an increase in rates for non-residents. The non-resident rates would increase an estimated $200 on top of a base fee that is estimated to increase by 15%. According to EMS ordinance, fees many include treatment, transportation to hospital and supplies.  

“It addresses the community concern of being left paying more for the infrastructure that exists,” said Williams. “We have a high population of people that are tourists in the area, and they’re benefiting from a decreased rate.” 

The non-resident fee schedule will be published to the public for review before being considered and adopted by the board.  

Domke presented the last agenda item — an itemized list of ambulance district tasks. The list was brought to light at the last meeting, where Domke encouraged individuals to reach out with priority tasks. At this meeting, the board discussed items of high priority and the progress with each item. The goal of the task list is to delegate work where needed and for the board to establish an understanding of high priority items such as finding suitable liability insurance and accounting services.