Commissioners discussed ongoing negotiations with Fort Leavenworth over the county’s subsidy of emergency medical services during the public meeting, with several members voicing concern about how talks have been handled.

Commissioner Reed said he had told an outside audience that he did not support a recent county vote related to the Fort negotiations and that he wanted to consult legal counsel before discussing specifics that had been handled in executive session. “I did say, just for transparency, I did not vote with the county commission on this 1,” Reed said.

Commissioners and staff debated the fiscal mechanics behind the county’s request for Fort Leavenworth to share EMS costs. One commissioner explained the county relies almost entirely on property tax revenue, not sales or income tax, to fund services. “The county only gets property tax,” Jeff said, adding that the Fort’s local economic benefits (job income and sales taxes) do not flow to the county’s property-tax-funded operations.

Board members also discussed whether EMS costs should be treated as a medical service primarily billed to insurance and patients, and whether Fort Leavenworth should be asked to contribute more to reduce the burden on local property taxpayers. Several commissioners said the county has subsidized EMS calls related to Fort facilities and employees and that the county needs clearer contractual terms.

No formal action or new contract was adopted at the meeting. Commissioners asked for continued discussion and for legal counsel to advise what aspects can be discussed in public and what remains in executive session.