IFalls Weighs Future of Ambulance Service Amid $2M Deficit

International Falls, Minn. — The future of International Falls’ ambulance service is facing big questions.

At a recent special city council meeting, the entire discussion centered on the city-run service and the financial pressure it’s under.

Right now, the ambulance fund is more than two million dollars in the red, and the city has been dipping into reserves just to keep it going.

That approach, city leaders say, won’t work much longer. The general fund, which supports core services, is also in the red. And when future ambulance purchases are factored in, it could fall nearly $3.6 million short.

Photo Courtesy of International Falls Fire/EMS

Despite the numbers, the mayor and council made it clear: they don’t want to cut the service. But tough decisions are coming — and coming soon.

“We don’t have any money put away for much of anything, and the reason that we’re here is to advocate for these needs. But as a community, we’re going to be facing many realities,” said International Falls Mayor Drake Dill.

They’re weighing options such as an ambulance fee, a tax district, or, if no agreement is reached, reverting to basic life support.

During public comment, several people pushed to keep the service — even if that means higher fees.

“Time is money, time is death, time is damage.” Sarah Arch, a concerned community member, went on to say, “The time that they give us and the care they provide in getting those patients to our hospital is life-saving, and if we lose our paramedics, we are going to be losing lives in our county as a result.”

The council plans to hold public hearings every Monday, with a decision expected by December 31st.