(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved a $40,000 increase in funding for Doniphan County Ambulance District #1.

The Commission on Monday voted unanimously to increase the Troy-based ambulance services appropriation to $134,000 for budget year 2021.

Currently, County Clerk Peggy Franken said the Ambulance District receives a tax appropriation of $94,000.  The Ambulance District is made up of the boundaries of Fire Districts 1 and 5. Franken said taxpayers within the district pay the $94,000 appropriation. In addition, they also receive $2,400 from the County General fund.

The ambulance district had sought a $75,000 increase in funding.

The Commission was told last month that the funding increase was needed to hire an additional full-time EMT/paramedic.

In addition, the Commission was told it would help offset the increased cost of medical supplies, general liability insurance, employee benefits and insurance write-off amounts for user fees.

The ambulance district has not had an increase in funding since 2015.