In an attempt to alleviate staffing concerns, the need for an additional ambulance, and a budget deficit related to Pella Community Ambulance service, the Pella City Council discussed a potential agreement with Pella Regional Health Center at their meeting Tuesday.

During a policy and planning work session, the council received details about a proposal that would see Pella Regional pay the city $350,000 to provide transfers of patients between medical facilities. Pella Ambulance had reduced the service that was previously provided due to staffing issues and the strain it was having on local calls.

The payment is contingent on the city-run organization hiring four full-time staff members and purchasing a fourth ambulance. Both were highlighted in a recent consultant’s report that detailed the need for more staff members and vehicles in the city’s fleet, based on a continuing increase of service calls.

The Pella City Council will seek to approve the formal agreement sometime in January. In total, the contract with Pella Regional is expected to be net-positive in terms of revenue for the city of approximately $30,000.