June 13, 2026
The West Liberty Fire and Rescue Agency was established on July 1, 2025, with the intent that EMS services currently provided under the Ambulance Board would transfer to the Agency by July 1, 2026. This transition was outlined in an Iowa Code Chapter 28E Agreement and accompanying Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 21, 2025, between the City of West Liberty and the Rural Trustees. The MOU detailed specific conditions and action steps required for the successful transfer of EMS services.
At its June 8, 2026 meeting, the Agency’s Board of Directors voted to request an extension to the transition timeline, citing that several required steps have not yet been completed. The Agency has since submitted a proposed amendment to the 28E Agreement and requested additional time to meet the outlined conditions. The West Liberty City Council will discuss and consider the requested extension at its meeting on June 16, 2026.
Mayor Mark Smith, who serves on the Agency Board, expressed concern about the delay while emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality EMS services:
“It is critical that quality emergency medical services be provided to the residents of our community,” said Mayor Smith. “While I am disappointed the transfer cannot be completed at this time, our priority must remain ensuring reliable and effective service.”
Mayor Smith also noted that provisions for extending the transition timeline were included in the original MOU, though there was initial resistance to that approach. The need for additional time became more apparent following recent discussions, particularly after the City’s budget was finalized without including the continuation of EMS services beyond the anticipated transition date.
As part of the ongoing process, the Agency has also submitted a proposal, pending Board approval, to reimburse the City for the cost of continuing EMS operations during the extended transition period.
The City is currently reviewing operational and financial considerations necessary to maintain EMS services while working collaboratively with the Agency to complete the transition in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Most importantly, the City is committed to ensuring there is no disruption to EMS services for the residents and communities served. The City of West Liberty will continue providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) while the transition to the West Liberty Fire and Rescue Agency remains in progress, ensuring uninterrupted service to residents and surrounding communities.
Updates on the transition will be shared as more information becomes available.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Lee Geertz
City Manager, City of West Liberty