Look of Future Ambulance Service in Charles City, Floyd County Uncertain

Who or how ambulance service will be provided in the future in Charles City and Floyd County remains a looming question.

While officials weigh the possible start of a local service, Charles City City Administrator Steve Diers says they’ll likely need to sign a short-term contract with the current provider, AMR Ambulance.

Diers says various financing options are under consideration for a service the City and County know are vital to its citizens.

Had the EMS levy passed in November, it would’ve raised over $550,000 a year for 10 years. Whether public or private, Diers says the costs of providing ambulance service continues to rise.

Diers adds that if a public ambulance can be developed, like Chickasaw County started January 1st of this year, it does open the door to federal grants to help cover expenses.  

The Ambulance Commission is scheduled to meet again next week to determine how to proceed, given that the current contract between AMR and the City and County is set to expire June 30th.