Requesting surplus monies to be returned

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Wheatland and Adjacent Districts Emergency Medical Services Association (WADEMSA) and representatives from Alberta Health Services (AHS) met at the Wheatland County administration office, Sept. 16, to discuss the requested return of surplus monies to AHS.

AHS had requested the return of over $4 million in surplus monies which were indicated in previous correspondence between the two organizations to have been accumulated between 2013 and 2024. 

One of the points raised by the WADEMSA board regarding their existing surplus, is that the $4 million was a snapshot number taken concluded from a Q4 report, as opposed to being an accurate representation of their surplus which would have been documented in their audited financial statements.

As a counterpoint, it was stated during the Sept. 16 meeting that AHS approaches working with non-profit organizations, creating funding and budgeting models oriented to fund as close to exact amounts as necessary, without budgeting to create any degree of surplus. 

The agreements are intended to be funded based on costs at the onsets of any relationship between AHS and a non-profit, and funding is then increased annually based on factors such as inflation and cost of living adjustments.

WADEMSA offered their suggestion to benefit from having created a funding surplus in order for the organization to maintain reserve funding in case of being required to purchase more ambulances.

AHS is aiming to reclaim money that falls outside the bounds of the previously established relationship and purpose of the funding model created between them and WADEMSA in order to direct those monies towards other projects and priorities throughout the province. 

This mindset was emphasized, citing that WADEMSA finding efficient ways to solve problems and complete projects is not a bad thing; however, if they are not utilizing all of their funding and instead creating a surplus, AHS should be able to reclaim excess money that evidently was not required. 

WADEMSA, in defense of itself, had their board suggested feelings that returning the requested finances to AHS would effectively be penalizing them for being well managed, and questioned why more funding would be dedicated to other agreements with organizations which may be operating at deficits. 

Additionally, WADEMSA indicated it would be irresponsible of the organization to not maintain at least six months’ worth of reserve funding outside of its prescribed spending in order to capably deal with unexpected expenses which may arise.

The meeting concluded without a concrete solution or agreement being reached. AHS declined to comment regarding the conversation and events of the meeting.