County Board Chair/County Administrator/County Board of Supervisors
Richland County
181 W. Seminary St.
Richland Center, WI 53556
Subject: Objection to Proposed County-Wide EMS Service
Dear Chairperson/County Administrator/County Board of
Supervisors,
I am writing on behalf of The Town of Buena Vista to formally express our objection to the
proposed implementation of a county-wide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.
While we recognize the importance of efficient and reliable EMS delivery, the current proposal
raises several concerns that we believe have not been adequately addressed:
First, the financial impact on our residents of the township is significant. The projected costs
associated with the county-wide system appear disproportionate to the level of service our
residents currently receive. With this model, the result of increased taxes without clear,
measurable benefits for our residents is immensely concerning.
Second, the proposal risks reducing local control over EMS operations. Our township has
historically maintained a level of oversight that allows us to respond directly to the specific needs
of our community. Transitioning to a centralized system may limit our ability to make timely,
locally informed decisions.
Third, there are concerns regarding response times and service quality. It is unclear whether a
county-wide system will maintain or improve current response times, particularly in rural areas
such as ours. Any degradation in emergency response could have serious consequences for public
safety.
Additionally, we believe there has been insufficient engagement with township officials and
residents. A decision of this magnitude warrants broader consultation and transparency to
ensure all stakeholders are fully informed and have an opportunity to provide input.
For these reasons, we respectfully request that the county reconsider or delay implementation
of the proposed county-wide EMS system. At a minimum, we ask for a comprehensive cost-
benefit analysis, clear service benchmarks, and meaningful opportunities for township
participation in planning and governance.
We remain open to collaborative solutions that enhance EMS services while preserving fiscal
responsibility and local input.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Floyd Bartow Jr.
Chairman
Town of Buena Vista