Day County Commission approves creation of ambulance service

Day County has started the process of forming its own ambulance service.

The decision was made at a commission meeting earlier this spring. But commission Chairwoman Linda Walters said nothing is set in stone. Although a general plan has been approved, she said there's still a chance obstacles could come up as the process moves along -- when finalizing the purchasing agreement, for example.

A price for the project is not yet known. One of the next steps is getting quotes for the work, she said.

A purchasing agreement has been drafted and sent to Christensen Ambulance to buy equipment, according to the May 10 commission meeting minutes. But that process isn't finalized either, said Day County Auditor Karli Zimmerman.

Christensen Ambulance has provided ambulance services to Day County for years, but now the county is going to create an independent ambulance service.

More:Progress made on Day County ambulance dispute

Walters said that a timeline has not yet been worked out as the process is in the early stages. The county wants to take is slow and make sure everything is right. she said.

For now, the county is advertising for a full-time ambulance director position.

Near the end of 2020, Day County and Christensen Ambulance were at odds over what the business should be paid to provide services to the county. However, Webster and Waubay chipped in funding to help the process.