County Approves New Northwest EMS Station, Adds Full Time Staff

At its November 12, 2025 meeting the Sandoval County Board of County Commissioners voted to authorize Sandoval County Fire and Rescue to stand up a new Northwest EMS station. Commissioners approved funding for 12 full time equivalent positions to be filled immediately and granted authorization to add three more positions, for a possible total of 15 full time equivalents, contingent on securing outside funding from partners such as the Hickory Apache Nation.

County staff told the commission they expect to use revenue available through the New Mexico Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program known as EGAD under Medicaid to support staffing costs. The motion directed county staff to continue pursuing partner contributions and to return to the commission with operational details and budget updates. The action was recorded in the commission meeting record as summarized by CitizenPortal.ai.

For residents in the northwest part of Sandoval County the decision signals a potential increase in local emergency medical capacity. Establishing a dedicated EMS station can shorten travel distances for ambulance crews and reduce response times for urgent calls. The immediate allocation of 12 full time equivalent positions indicates the county intends to staff the station at launch rather than operating with minimal personnel.

Financially the plan relies on a mix of state Medicaid supplemental payments and external partner support. That funding structure reduces upfront county general fund exposure but introduces uncertainty. EGAD supplemental payments can be subject to state and federal policy changes and the timeline for securing partner contributions from entities such as tribal governments or other local partners is not guaranteed. The commission’s direction for staff to return with budget updates creates an accountability point for commissioners and a moment for public review before any additional positions are authorized.

Institutionally this decision places Sandoval County Fire and Rescue at the center of operational implementation. The department will need to present detailed staffing plans, projected operating costs, vehicle and equipment needs, and expected service area changes. The county commission retains oversight responsibility through the requirement that staff report back with operational details. That reporting will shape whether the three contingent positions are added and how sustainable the station will be over time.

The move may also prompt discussion about regional cooperation and funding partnerships. If the county secures contributions from the Hickory Apache Nation or other partners the station could reflect a collaborative approach to rural EMS provision. If outside funding does not materialize, the county will face decisions about whether to absorb costs, scale back staffing, or seek alternative revenue.

Commissioners and county staff are now positioned to define timelines, operational metrics, and transparency mechanisms. Residents should expect follow up presentations at future commission meetings where staffing, budget implications, and projected impacts on response times will be laid out and subject to public review.