Town considered leaving Ellsworth EMS, but public rejects that change

Members of the Ellsworth Ambulance Service (EMS) showed up in force to Monday night’s Special Meeting held by the Town of Martell. As some members felt the issue at hand was close to home, it was. Some of the members reportedly reside in Martell and felt like they were overlooked of the opportunity to present their case to continue to serve Martell

Photo by Jack McLoone. as the officially contracted Emergency Medical Service.

Martell Town Board member Brad Tapin began the meeting addressing, as he said it, “rumors that have been circulating”.

Ellsworth and Martell, among others, are part of a Joint Powers Agreement along with Ellsworth EMS. If Martell were to contract Allina Health for EMS services, the remaining members of the Joint Powers Agreement would be forced to withstand and share the financial loss represented by the departure.

With about 25 audience members in attendance at the Martell Town Hall, the Board tried to explain that they have met all legal obligations in how they have gone about the process. Details were passionately shared while members of the Board let facts be discussed amid some contentious debate.

Some in attendance felt the Board could have been more public about their decision-making process to see proposals other than what Ellsworth EMS had to offer, but members of the Board tried to express they were looking at the option of a hybrid plan between Allina Health in River Falls and Allina Health in Baldwin.

At 8:27 p.m., the board decided to compare proposals from the prospective ambulance committees after the meeting was called to order at 7:00 sharp.

Ultimately, since it was a Special Town Board Meeting, all residents of Martell were allowed to vote on the final motion put forth.

One resident made a motion to not move forward with the received proposals before another resident seconded the motion. The first resident made an amendment to include that Martell would continue their agreement with Ellsworth EMS.

Of the 16 residents of Martell in attendance, 11 voted in favor of the amended motion put forth to remain with Ellsworth EMS.

This story will be continued and expanded upon in the next edition of The Journal.

Photo by Jack McLoone.

The Martell Town Board heard concerns from the community about a proposed change in EMS providers.