During the July 13 meeting, Butler shared that the district received $30,385.64 in June but spent $114,675.08, resulting in the deficit. The reason for the deficit was that the district had to pay for its vehicle and building insurance.

Butler said that MOAD usually deficit spends from January to July because its biggest bills are during the first half of the fiscal year, which is the same as the calendar year. These include building and vehicle insurance, worker’s comp insurance and malpractice insurance.

During the second half of the year, MOAD only pays routine bills such as payroll and utilities unless a major expense occurs.

“The next quarter, it starts leveling itself out,” Butler said. “Heaven forbid nothing breaks down.”

For example, the district in July approved spending $8,650.80 on a new repeater and power supply so that the Freeburg location could communicate with the dispatch center. The district also recently acquired a new ambulance truck and is purchasing another one in October. Before the trucks can be used on calls, the district will have to pay for radios and equipment.

While the district receives revenue from the Department of Revenue every month, Butler said that it receives much of its revenue from property taxes in December and January.

Butler also believes that the new sales tax increase from a half percent to 1 percent and the new 1 percent use tax, which takes effect Oct. 1, will help with the district’s finances.

CORRECTION: This article previously said that the fiscal year ended in June, but the Maries Osage Ambulance District’s fiscal year is aligned with the calendar year. The Advocate regrets this error.