Council adopts resolution raising ambulance fees to 100% cost recovery after council debate

The Aberdeen City Council approved a resolution updating ambulance and emergency-services fees to increase recovery toward the full cost of service, citing a cost-of-service study that staff said justifies the change.

Councilmembers expressed split views. Councilperson Morris said she could not support an immediate full cost-recovery approach on conscience grounds because it would be difficult for many residents to afford. Another councilmember suggested staggering increases, but staff said the approved rate schedule follows the cost-of-service study and would be easier to defend administratively and legally. Chief Golding and staff explained that the study established rates that staff characterized as justifiable and defensible.

The proposed change updates the city’s ambulance fee schedule as allowed in the municipal code (cited in the meeting as AMC 13 80 0 9 0 and 138110). Several councilmembers urged caution about immediate impacts on residents and favored options such as discounts for eligible households; staff noted an existing discount program residents may apply for but said the study’s recommended rates would be the defensible baseline.

Council members voting in favor said the measure is a difficult but necessary step to stabilize city finances and to allow continued delivery of emergency medical services. Supporters warned that rejecting the change would leave the city to carry growing costs and could accelerate other cuts recommended elsewhere in the budget process. The resolution was approved by the council and will be implemented according to the municipal schedule.