St. Paul – Town council didn’t spend much time debating whether STARS Air Ambulance should continue receiving municipal support.

The numbers spoke pretty loudly.

Council approved a four-year funding commitment of $2 per capita, extending St. Paul’s support through Dec. 31, 2029.

The Town’s 2026 operating budget currently includes $ 11,750 for STARS, based on a population of 5,875. That figure could increase once St. Paul’s 2026 census is finalized and the new population is confirmed.

STARS representative Jackie Seely appeared before council July 27 to provide an annual update, including a five-year look at missions throughout the St. Paul region.

“Some of those stats were staggering,” CAO Steven Jeffery said while bringing the funding request back to council Monday.

STARS’ regional report shows 250 missions between 2021 and July 12, 2026, including 151 critical inter-facility transfers from the St. Paul Hospital. The region averaged 49 missions annually over that period.

‘Well needed in our community’

The Town was already planning to maintain the $2-per-capita contribution through 2028. The latest decision adds 2029 and provides STARS with the four-year commitment it requested.

The organization says longer-term commitments provide greater certainty when forecasting and planning future funding requirements.

One councillor pointed out how frequently STARS is called to the area when explaining support for the motion.

“STARS is well needed in our community,” the councillor said. “It came 44 times last year out of 52 weeks, so it’s something that we should be contributing to.”

Council carried the motion to maintain the $2-per-capita funding commitment through the end of 2029.