Red Oak Council Authorizes Notice on EMS Service to Emerson

he Red Oak City Council has authorized City Administrator Lisa Kotter to provide written notice to the City of Emerson regarding EMS service.

The council approved Resolution 2026-63 during its regular meeting Monday, July 6. The resolution allows Kotter to notify Emerson that Red Oak Fire Department EMS responses to Emerson will cease effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 13, unless meaningful progress is made toward a written agreement.

City officials said Emerson has chosen to enter into an ambulance service agreement with Malvern rather than moving forward with a proposed 28E agreement with Red Oak.

Mayor Tim Fridolph said Red Oak’s first responsibility is to residents of Red Oak, followed by communities that have entered into agreements with the city. He noted that other communities in Montgomery County have agreed to 28E agreements with Red Oak.

Kotter said Red Oak respects Emerson’s decision, but there is currently no written agreement defining Red Oak’s role in providing Advanced Life Support or backup ambulance response to Emerson. She said she planned to attend the Emerson City Council meeting July 8 to clarify Red Oak’s position.

The resolution gives Kotter flexibility to delay the notice if Emerson shows good faith intent to continue negotiations or pursue a written agreement.