San Diego County updates fire and EMS service fees to ensure sustainability

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors convened on April 22, 2025, to discuss significant updates to fees associated with County Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and County Service Area 17. This proposal aims to enhance the sustainability of essential services while ensuring public safety across the region.

Director of County Fire, Jeff Collins, presented an overview of the proposed fee adjustments, which include charges for fire marshal inspections, EMS personnel credentialing, and ambulance transport services. The adjustments are designed to reflect the actual costs and time required for these services, which have not been revised since February 2021. Notably, the proposal includes the introduction of fees for business inspections, which have previously been provided at no cost, resulting in a substantial revenue loss for the county.

The proposed changes will affect various sectors, including residential and commercial developments, with over 500 building permit reviews and 1,100 inspections conducted annually. The new fee structure aims to ensure that businesses comply with fire safety regulations while also generating necessary revenue to support ongoing operations.

In addition to fire services, the EMS office's fees will also see adjustments as part of a phased increase approved last year. This includes a review of costs associated with credentialing emergency medical technicians and inspecting ambulances. The EMS office plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of emergency medical care in the county, overseeing both ground and air ambulance services.

County Service Area 17, which provides ambulance services to several coastal cities and unincorporated communities, is also set to see changes. The proposed increase in ambulance transport rates aims to align with the county fire's ambulance service rates, ensuring that the service remains financially viable. Importantly, these changes will primarily impact commercial insurance providers, with patients only responsible for co-pays and deductibles.

Public outreach efforts were made to inform stakeholders about the proposed fee changes, including presentations to various community organizations and a dedicated webpage for public engagement. The board is expected to consider and adopt the ordinance related to these fee adjustments on May 6, 2025.

The meeting highlighted the county's commitment to maintaining high standards of public safety while addressing the financial realities of providing these essential services. As the board moves forward with these recommendations, residents can expect continued efforts to ensure that emergency services remain effective and accessible.