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   WALKER— At its May 2 meeting, the Walker Ambulance Primary Service Area Special Taxing District Board voted unanimously to award the district’s ambulance services contract to North Memorial Health, continuing its long-standing relationship with the provider.

   The county received notice on Thursday, May 1 that Essentia Health withdrew its proposal, leaving North Memorial as the sole contender for the contract. While Essentia submitted a comprehensive bid outlining expanded coverage and lower long-term subsidy increases, its withdrawal effectively ended the competition.

   Cass County Administrator Josh Stevenson shared additional materials from North Memorial, addressing concerns about response times and service area coverage. North Memorial’s proposal emphasized its extensive infrastructure in the region, including contiguous coverage areas, mutual aid agreements, and its own dispatch and air care services. Officials also clarified that the proposed financial subsidies were based on worst-case operating scenarios, not attempts to recoup past losses.

   One potential shift in future planning was also discussed: a proposal to align the Walker and Longville ambulance service contracts for a possible joint RFP in 2027. This would allow the board to re-evaluate regional service continuity and efficiencies.

   Following the board’s vote, staff were directed to draft a formal contract with North Memorial for consideration at the next scheduled meeting on May 16.

   The brief but pivotal meeting highlighted the region’s ongoing efforts to maintain consistent and high-quality emergency medical care, especially during the busy summer season when visitor traffic — and EMS demand — increases.

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