Under the soft glow of city hall lights, the Kennewick City Council convened to address pressing issues that resonate deeply with the community. The evening's agenda featured a significant proposal to update ambulance transport and mileage rates, a matter that has remained unchanged for over a decade.

City staff presented two options for the council's consideration, both aimed at modernizing the existing flat rates established in 2012. Currently, residents pay a flat fee of $660 for ambulance services, while non-residents are charged $990. These rates are among the lowest in Washington state and the Tri-Cities region. The proposed changes would introduce a tiered rate structure, allowing for billing that reflects the level of service provided—basic life support, advanced life support 1, and advanced life support 2. This approach aims to ensure that the city can recover costs more effectively, particularly since over 60% of patients are covered by Medicare.

The council discussed the financial implications of the proposed changes, noting that the city subsidizes ambulance services significantly—approximately $5 million annually. This subsidy underscores the necessity for rate adjustments, as the current structure has not been updated in 13 years. Council members expressed concerns about the potential impact on families, yet acknowledged that even with the proposed increases, Kennewick would still maintain some of the lowest rates in the area.

Council member McShane emphasized the importance of recognizing the challenges faced by families in the community, while also highlighting the need for additional funding to support staff training and operational costs. The council's commitment to ensuring that those unable to pay are still considered for assistance was also reaffirmed, with assurances that the general fund would help cover costs for those in need.

As the discussion unfolded, the council moved to adopt the resolution under option B, which is projected to increase ambulance transport revenue by approximately $147,952 in 2026. This decision reflects a careful balance between maintaining affordable services and ensuring the sustainability of the city's emergency response capabilities.

With the resolution poised for adoption, the council's actions signal a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of the community while ensuring that essential services remain accessible to all residents. As the meeting concluded, the implications of these decisions lingered in the air, leaving the community to ponder the future of their emergency services and the ongoing commitment to public health and safety.