STURGIS - The Sturgis City Council approved an updated ambulance service fee schedule Monday, Nov. 2, to help offset rising operating costs and ensure the continued delivery of emergency medical services to Sturgis and Meade County residents.

Sturgis Ambulance Director Bryson Kool told the council that ambulance service fees had not increased since 2025, while expenses for personnel, medical supplies, equipment, fuel, insurance and vehicle maintenance continue to rise.

The adjustments are intended to bring Sturgis Ambulance Service fees more in line with neighboring providers, recover a greater portion of operating costs and reduce the financial burden on city taxpayers.

Among the changes, the fee for an advanced life support (ALS) emergency response increases from $1,500 to $1,700, while basic life support (BLS) emergency response increases from $1,250 to $1,450.

The largest adjustment involves specialty care transport, which increases from $2,500 to $8,000. Kool explained that these transports involve patients requiring advanced medical care, such as ventilators or multiple intravenous medications, and personnel with specialized training.

The council unanimously approved the revised fee schedule, which takes effect immediately.