Citys Ambulance site transition underway

Some minor work has begun inside the old Flandreau Fire Hall to prepare for the transition of the Moody County Ambulance service to its new home just a block or so away.
Earlier this summer, the Flandreau City Council voted to officially take over operations of the long-running countywide ambulance service, effective January 1, 2026. With that decision made, city and county officials are now working together to ensure a smooth transition.
To help remodel the old fire hall quickly ideally before winter City Administrator Cohl Turnquist requested a $35,000 stipend from Moody County to support construction costs. While the contribution wasnt included in the countys 2025 budget, commissioners approved the funds at their regular meeting Tuesday. The money will help offset costs during this critical phase and, as part of the new service agreement, the stipend will be included in the countys budget annually moving forward.
Getting in and out of the current ambulance facility safely, particularly in poor weather, has long been a challenge for staff and the service. The move to the old fire hall is seen by all parties as both practical and timely.
City staff now have until the end of the year to finalize service contracts, hire additional personnel, and build the necessary infrastructure for a city-run, countywide EMS. Turnquist said that he remains confident in the timeline and points to strong collaboration among city leaders, the county, and other local partners.