Otter Tail County moves to protect Pelican Rapids ambulance service

Otter Tail County moved to protect ambulance coverage in the Pelican Rapids area after Ringdahl Ambulance warned that financial shortfalls could force changes to service before its current license expires in March 2027. County commissioners directed staff to pursue a Subordinate Service District, to keep emergency medical service in place for Pelican Rapids and nearby townships.

Ringdahl notified cities and townships in its primary service area in March 2026 that it was facing significant financial trouble. An informational session followed in April to review options under Minnesota law. By late June, the ambulance provider still wanted to serve the area but could not renew its Pelican Rapids primary service area license because of those financial constraints.

A Subordinate Service District would shift the service to a local taxing district. Under Minnesota law, two or more political subdivisions can establish a special taxing district to provide fire protection or emergency medical services, and state statutes also recognize those districts for levy purposes. In practical terms, that means taxpayers in the district would likely carry the cost through a local levy rather than leaving the service dependent only on the operator’s balance sheet.

Ringdahl's Pelican Rapids service provides advanced life support to western Otter Tail County, with one or two ALS crews stationed in Pelican Rapids and three ALS crews in Fergus Falls.

Commissioner Wayne Johnson, who represents Pelican Rapids, Pelican Township and surrounding communities in District 2, has been leading outreach to the area’s cities and townships. He said, “The communities I represent made one thing very clear: emergency medical services are not optional.”

Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements have not kept pace with ambulance costs. Ringdahl has served Fergus Falls since 1967.