Three townships leave Perham Area EMS, costs shift to city

The Perham Area EMS Joint Powers Board confirmed that Dead Lake, Star Lake and Otto townships have withdrawn from the joint powers agreement, a move that reduces membership and reallocates costs among the remaining partners. The board met on January 16 to assess financial fallout and operational trends after the departures.

Because the three townships were members when the board approved 2026 expenditures, they remain liable for their portion of the 2026 budget. The board summarized fiscal figures showing the 2026 budget totaled $360,000, while a preliminary 2027 budget is projected at $475,000. The three townships together represented roughly 13 percent of the budget before they left.

Under revised allocations for 2027, the City of Perham’s share would rise most dramatically, increasing from about $78,687 in the current budget to roughly $116,869. That increase reflects both the loss of the three townships’ contributions and the overall jump in projected expenses for 2027. Board members emphasized that one-time offsets have helped the service’s immediate cash position but do not remove longer-term structural pressures.

The EMS reported several positive offsets on its balance sheet, including a $57,000 state grant and a $50,000 donation. Those funds improve short-term liquidity and reduce the immediate pressure to raise assessments, but the board concluded they are not a substitute for sustained revenue or cost adjustments given the larger projected 2027 budget.

Operational demand added urgency to the budget discussion. The board reviewed 2025 call volumes, which reached about 1,702 total calls, a record increase for the service. Rising call volume typically drives higher staffing, equipment and supply costs, contributing to the larger projected budget.

To address the twin strains of rising demand and a shrinking membership base, the board approved formation of a finance committee. The committee will examine allocation formulas, revenue options and expense controls for the 2027 budget cycle. The move signals the board is preparing a more detailed plan for how remaining partners will share costs and how to preserve service levels across the district.

For residents in Perham and the surrounding townships, the departures create a ripple effect across lakes country budgets and services. Perham taxpayers are likely to see the largest proportional increase in the joint EMS assessment unless the finance committee identifies alternate funding or cost reductions. The board will continue deliberations in coming weeks as it refines the 2027 budget and outlines next steps for sustaining local emergency medical coverage.