–The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors continued talks about the costs of providing Emergency Medical Services to the ABATE Freedom Rally during their meeting Tuesday. Kossuth County EMS Director Phil Albers brought up the topic last week and discussed what it costs the county to cover the annual event held near Algona. Dave Duffy serves as the State Coordinator for ABATE of Iowa and he addressed the board, talking about their decision not to contribute towards EMS costs last year.
Albers says things have changed over the years, making it more expensive for his department to cover the rally.
Adding several thousand motorcyclists to the population of Kossuth County for multiple days means more EMS staff are needed to safely provide service to area residents and rally goers at the same time.
Albers says it’s not out of line to ask ABATE to help pay for these added costs.
Duffy asked if the county planned to ask RAGBRAI for money to help cover EMS related costs when they come through the area in July. Supervisor Kyle Stecker says the two events are not the same.
Albers says no matter who’s picking up the tab, they need to make their plans now rather than later to be prepared for this year’s rally, scheduled for July 3rd-6th.
Following the discussion, the board approved a liquor license for ABATE of Iowa on a vote of 4-1. Stecker voted against the license, and says he hopes the EMS questions are resolved before next year’s rally.
