Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
As the entire country struggles in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, the first responders on the front lines in Lee County are struggling just to keep from going bankrupt.
Although Lee County EMS recently was approved $36,000 from Lee County to continue operating through the end of March, it is still uncertain if funds will be found to pay for operations through June 30, when the private service’s contract with the county ends.
"It isn't just about employees. We got to do whatever it takes to keep this system in place and then transition it into a sustainable system," said Ft. Madison Mayor Matt Mohfeld.
Because EMS services are not considered an essential service such as fire or police are, funding has to come from the county’s general budget.
The county recently discovered that Lee County EMS is in financial difficulties after the IRS placed a lien on the service’s bank account.
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