Oconto Falls City Council expresses concern over 2027 ambulance rates

OCONTO FALLS – The Oconto Falls City Council reopened their discussion on ambulance rates for 2027 at their meeting on Oct. 13.

The council previously weighed the increase on ambulance rates at their monthly meeting in September, however they ultimately took no action in favor of gathering more information. City administrator Peter Wills stated that the new rate has been calculated to have an about $43,000 increase, making the new contract $128,515.

Wills expressed concern for being able to afford the increase, “I guess the main challenge as a municipality is how we’re governed by department revenue in terms of being able to increase our levy. We’re literally only getting $187 more this year.”

Wills presented the idea to discuss the cost with the ambulance service’s board of directors, however costs have already been cut as much as possible according to Dani Sonesen, board of directors member and Town of Stiles representative.

“I mean, ultimately the board of directors has set the contracted rate,” she said. “If the city council deems that it’s not in the best interest of its residents to continue membership with the Oconto Falls Area Ambulance Service, by all means, that’s your prerogative as a member.”

She continued, “But, we as an ambulance service and as a board of directors, we have spent five years cutting costs, finding savings where possible, saving tens of thousands of dollars, but unfortunately the inflation has been [difficult] for everybody.”

Sonesen further explained that capital expenditures are built into the budget, “We forecast for all of our capital expense needs and build that into the budget so there are no surprises, but that does mean that’s part of what you’re paying for; not just the maintaining, but it is paying for the new equipment that’s needed, and medical equipment is not cheap.”

The council responded, saying that they want to provide the best services all around for residents, and furthermore, that they are legally required to have an ambulance service as a municipality. But, the council reiterated that their concerns surrounding the ability to pay still stand.

The council decided to take no action and will bring the discussion back at their meeting in November.

In new business, the council passed a motion to approve an extension on their contract with WPPI Energy by 18 years, changing the contract’s year of expiration from 2055 to 2073.

Moving on to the former Washington Middle School property, the council approved a motion to do an abandonment of the alley located at 102 South Washington St. in order to move forward with dividing out the proposed 14 individual parcels from the property.

In the 2027 city budget process update, it was stated that the levy will increase by $186, with an estimated $186,000 to $200,000 in increased costs from year to year.

The council then adjourned into closed session regarding legal consultation for a sex offender residence appeal.

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