Red Oak sets 2026 EMS fees for service, EMS cost-sharing with surrounding communities
A broader discussion focused on EMS funding. Kotter said Red Oak’s fire/EMS model is dual-trained and designed to maintain minimum staffing, but service fees do not cover the full operating cost, leaving Red Oak taxpayers paying the gap for calls outside the city as well.
She cited the fire/EMS operating budget at about $1.339 million (excluding benefits), with benefits adding significant cost, and said the overall burden is currently being covered primarily by Red Oak taxpayers. The city’s goal is to have surrounding communities contribute starting July 1, aligning with new fiscal-year budgeting.
