Lewiston will draft EMS contract for Asotin Co. without Clarkston

Some of the audience at Tuesday's Lewiston City Council work session.

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Story Published: Oct 13, 2009 at 11:15 PM PDT

Story Updated: Oct 13, 2009 at 11:15 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - Lewiston is moving forward with an Asotin County Emergency Medical Services agreement “concept."

That word was used often in a motion by Councilor Dennis Ohrtman and the discussion that followed Tuesday at a work session.

The "concept," councilors mentioned refers to the removal of Clarkston's signature line from an agreement that would have Lewiston continuing to provide EMS service across the river. The "concept" was approved 5-2.

John Currin, who is chair of the EMS sub-committee formed earlier this year said without Clarkston, the proposal would use existing staff for an existing ambulance in the Clarkston Heights, instead of forcing the department to hire a new crew.

Currin said that, and money from Asotin County's EMS levy, would give them almost $30,000 more revenue than expenses, as opposed to facing a $210,000 deficit with Clarkston's signature line on the agreement.

"The net effect on the budget would be to reduce the deficit by $238,000," said Currin.

Currin and councilors Garry Bush and Dennis Ohrtman called the proposal win/win, addressing budget needs in Lewiston, and service needs in Asotin County.

Ballots for Asotin County's EMS levy go out on Friday.

Councilors Matthew Carlson and Jim Kluss voted against the concept. Kluss insisted the numbers provided by Currin were wrong, and said he refuses to make a hasty decision without all of the figures.

"Now all the sudden at the eleventh hour we say we've got to do this without full financial information in front of us...is a big mistake," said Kluss.

With the approval of the "concept," City Attorney Don Roberts will now draft a contract that will be voted on at a later date.

Fire Chief Gordy Gregg said it would be beneficial to EMS service in the Valley.

"From the perspective of moving that third ambulance up there (to the Clarkston Heights), we can make it work, especially since it has a large impact on our current budget deficit," said Gregg.

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