Emerson Votes to Reengage with Red Oak for EMS Service

The Emerson City Council has voted to reengage with the City of Red Oak for EMS service.

Red Oak City Administrator Lisa Kotter said she attended Emerson’s meeting Wednesday night to discuss concerns and answer questions about EMS coverage. Emerson had previously contracted with Malvern for EMS service, but Kotter said concerns had been raised about how that would affect backup coverage and response times, particularly for the east side of Montgomery County.

Kotter said four of Emerson’s five council members were present, and the council voted 4-0 to approve a 28E agreement with Red Oak. Emerson also took action to cancel its agreement with Malvern.

Under the agreement with Red Oak, Emerson will pay $3,695 per year for the next two years.

Kotter said the overall amount Red Oak will receive from agreements with area communities is about $23,000. She said that is a relatively small portion of Red Oak’s approximately $1.8 million EMS budget, but it represents an acknowledgment that the service being provided has value.

Kotter said Red Oak now has agreements with five communities, though Villisca may still need to formally vote after requesting minor language changes.

Malvern EMS representatives were also present at the meeting, and Kotter said the discussion remained focused on providing service to residents. She said Malvern will continue to serve as backup when needed.

The 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.