First responders fear ambulance services are on the brink of collapse around the state.
There is no statewide funding mechanism for ambulance services and volunteerism is declining. South Dakota lawmakers are studying the issue, but what some say is the most obvious solution is a political non-starter.
The Emergency Medical Services Interim Committee briefly discussed property taxes to support ambulance services in its most recent meeting, but members agreed there is little support such a move in the current political climate. A separate committee tasked with lowering property taxes met just last week.
Republican state Sen. Tim Reed of Brookings is co-chair of the EMS study. He pointed out state law allows local governments to establish tax districts to support ambulances through a special election process.
"I'm a big proponent of letting counties or the districts kind of decide how best to operate," he said after the meeting on Wednesday. "But the whole funding aspect—we had to start looking at different sources than property taxes."
One example the committee discussed is increased fees for DUIs directed to EMS funds.
Democratic Rep. Eric Emery is a paramedic for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. His bill from this year's session, which failed in the appropriations process, eventually led to this interim study. He's encouraged that the committee is determined to find a solution.
"But the biggest issue is recruitment and retention," he said. "Whether that's a paid service or a volunteer service, it's just getting those people in the seats of the ambulances and to take care of the citizens. When we talk about EMS, that's going to be the biggest hurdle to really tackle. And then, how do we keep those services, their doors open? And a lot of it comes down to funding."
The third and final EMS interim committee meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21 in Pierre. That's when members will draft proposals for the 2026 legislative session.
