City of Blackwell Approves Agreement to Expand EMS Services

The Blackwell City Council has approved an agreement with the Blackwell Hospital Trust Authority (BHTA) to enhance emergency medical services (EMS) through the addition of up to three new EMS employees, funded by the city's one percent medical sales tax dedicated to health services.

Under the agreement, up to $20,000 per month will be transferred from the BHTA to the City of Blackwell to cover salaries for the additional personnel. The funding comes from a dedicated medical sales tax collected monthly and supplemented by revenue from the Blackwell Public Trust, which also covers payments on the remodeled hospital and other past obligations.

The agreement, which was approved by the BHTA earlier in the week and finalized by the City Council, will remain in effect for one year. It includes provisions for early termination if funds are needed for hospital debt payments or if the local economy experiences a downturn.

Monthly compensation under the agreement is structured as follows:

One EMS employee: $6,666.66

Two EMS employees: $13,332.00

Three EMS employees: $20,000.00

Trustee James Rodgers and BHTA Attorney Jon Ihrig worked to include additional financial safeguards and accountability measures in the agreement. City leaders, including the City Manager and Fire Chief, expressed strong support, noting that increased staffing will improve emergency response times and the ability to handle interfacility transfers.

Officials say the move is a major step forward in improving public health and emergency services for Blackwell residents.