Plans for Fort Madison’s new $12 million public safety building may exclude an ambulance bay initially included in the project as approved by voters. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Matt Mohrfeld argued against the inclusion, citing Lee County’s $10 million investment in EMS infrastructure, which he said makes a city-run ambulance redundant and financially impractical.
Fire Chief Joey Herren pushed back, urging the council to keep the ambulance space to allow for future growth and flexibility, particularly with new state property tax restrictions potentially impacting budgets. Herren emphasized the plan voters originally supported included the ambulance component.
The council has not made a final decision, reflecting ongoing concerns about balancing taxpayer resources with long-term emergency service needs.
