STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis City Council this week approved increased ambulance service rates for 2025.
Ambulance Shawn Fisher says they haven’t raised the rates in three years and says they are not collecting anything more from Medicare.
Fisher says the ambulance service has to figure out how to bring more money in.
Fisher proposed $1,200 for emergency calls and a $100 dollar increase in lift assists calls.
Fisher reminded council members that ambulance service is not considered an essential service, although she and the industry have been fighting that non-designation for years.
Another bill to make ambulance services essential is at the Legislature, although Fisher says it faces opposition from the South Dakota Municipal League.
