The Bonner County Ambulance District (BCAD) has taken another significant step towards operational independence from county government by securing approval for commercial insurance. During a recent meeting, BCAD Chief Jeff Lindsey presented two insurance quotes to the county commissioners, recommending the more affordable option from Volunteer Firemen’s Insurance Service (VFIS) at $37,563 annually, compared to $144,000 from Idaho Counties Risk Management Program. The commissioners approved the recommendation, noting that both providers offered similar services. This decision is expected to save BCAD over $30,000 in insurance costs. The VFIS was chosen partly because it specializes in insuring emergency service providers, with the assigned risk manager having a background as a former paramedic. Lindsey highlighted that this experience would be beneficial in understanding the district’s general practices. The district’s financial health has also shown marked improvement, with current cash reserves standing at approximately $900,000 as of last week. This figure exceeds the forecasted $500,000 by the end of April and is a significant increase from the initial projections. The improved financial position is attributed to months of budget tightening and problem-solving efforts. Commissioner Asia Williams and Chief Lindsey both noted that the district has transitioned from a crisis mode to a stable one. Williams acknowledged the extensive efforts made, stating, “We’ve moved from a critical position to a stable one in Bonner County as an ambulance district.” Lindsey also reassured that there were no plans for layoffs, confirming job security within the district. The progress made by BCAD reflects a significant achievement in its journey towards operational stability and independence.
