VIENNA — Maries Osage Ambulance District (MOAD) Administrator Carla Butler reported to the board at its April 13 meeting that the district fell nearly $70,000 short in its March income.

MOAD’s meeting covered finances, loans, opposition a Senate bill and other routine business.

In Butler’s financial report, she said that the district received $27,741.96 in revenue and had $97,523.44 in expenses, resulting in a $69,781.47 deficit. However, the district is starting to get its billing caught up and has deposits to make. Butler expects the numbers to start increasing.

Officials from the district Mark Hayes, senior loan officer at the Maries County Bank, to consider loan options for two trucks. The district is expecting one to be delivered in May and other, which is being built in the shop, to be delivered in October.

Hayes discussed with the board about the loan options, and he said that for two vehicles, there needs to be two separate loans. He said that there are no fees and that the district can pay annually when it receives its tax revenue.

If the district doesn’t want to commit yet and keep asking for bids, Hayes promised MOAD that if the rates change, he will keep the loan interest rate at or below the current rate.

“If the rates would go the other way, I’ll make a commitment: we won’t go higher than where we’re at today,” Hayes said.

Butler also announced opposition to Missouri Senate Bill 841, which changes the requirements for community paramedics operating outside of their service area. Revised State Statue 190.098 requires that ambulance services operating outside of their region enter a written contract with the with the ambulance service in that area.

If this bill were to pass, then it would only require a memorandum of understanding (MOU) if the ambulance service in that area already provides those services. But if it does not, then the outside ambulance service must notify the ambulance service covering that area. The bill is currently on the informal calendar for Senate bills for perfection.

Butler sent a letter Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, who sponsored the bill, and the senators who represent the district. She let them know that she opposes the bill because the voters approved the district.

Butler has spoken with other districts but declined to say which ones. She said that they were not aware of this bill. In response, they may form an opposition committee, and Butler expressed interest in joining.

“We have boundaries to protect,” Butler said.