Lyon County approves Arrow ambulance quote, tables holiday-pay proposal

The Lyon County Board of Supervisors selected the Arrow Manufacturing quote for a new ambulance on July 14, while postponing a separate proposal intended to address difficult holiday staffing for county ambulance crews.

The decisions were made during the supervisors’ meeting in Rock Rapids. The county ambulance service serves Rock Rapids and other Lyon County communities, so the equipment selection and staffing discussion have implications beyond the courthouse where they were considered.

Board chose Arrow quote in 4-1 vote

Ambulance Director Amy Borman presented quotes from Arrow Manufacturing and McQueen. Supervisors discussed price, specifications and warranties, as well as seat-belt certification requirements associated with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services.

The board then voted 4-1 to select the Arrow Manufacturing quote. Supervisor Jerry Birkey opposed the motion.

The July 14 meeting minutes do not state the ambulance’s final price, delivery date, in-service date or replacement schedule. Selecting a vendor quote does not by itself establish those details.

Holiday-pay decision remains pending

Borman separately told supervisors that holiday shifts are difficult to cover. She proposed paying ambulance staff double their active and on-call rates for shifts worked on holidays listed in the employee handbook.

The discussion also included a possible holiday rotation if shifts cannot be filled. Supervisor Cory Altena said Borman should try the rotation first, while Borman said she would like to use both approaches.

Supervisors did not approve the proposed pay change. Instead, they tabled the matter until the next board meeting. The proposal therefore remains unresolved and is not an adopted benefit or guaranteed payment.

What residents should watch next

For Rock Rapids and the rest of Lyon County, the immediate distinction is between a completed vendor-selection decision and a pending staffing-policy discussion. The county has selected the ambulance manufacturer, but the public record reviewed does not establish when the vehicle will arrive or enter service.

The next board meeting is the expected point for an update on holiday pay. Until then, the minutes document a staffing concern and a proposed response—not a reduction in ambulance service or a failure to cover emergency calls.

Sources

• Lyon County Board of Supervisors July 14, 2026 meeting minutes