Yakima council adopts $500 civil penalty for operating ambulances without city license

The Yakima City Council voted to amend Yakima Municipal Code chapter 5.96 to create a civil infraction of $500 for operating ambulance services in the city without a local license.

The ordinance, proposed by the city attorney’s office and supported by Yakima Fire Department leadership, passed 6–1 after a line‑by‑line discussion about how the rule would be enforced and why it is needed.

Assistant City Attorney Amanda Brusick told the council the legal change responds to a request from Fire Chief Aaron Markham and fills an enforcement gap: the city’s code previously lacked a penalty to deter ambulance operators who were responding inside the city outside the scope the municipal code allows. Brusick described the proposed penalty as consistent with penalties used by comparable jurisdictions.

Chief Aaron Markham said the issue surfaced after Yakima County negotiated a sole‑source provider for 9‑1‑1 ambulance response in the county. He told the council staff had observed instances in which a non‑9‑1‑1 ambulance company responded directly to incidents or performed inter‑facility transports without notifying 9‑1‑1 dispatch, which can interfere with coordinated response and fire department support. Markham said the city needs an enforcement tool if notices to operators do not change behavior.

Council members pressed staff on how the ordinance would interact with existing operations and with the county contract. Several members asked about mass‑casualty incidents and whether the city could call on other resources if the contracted provider were overwhelmed; staff said mutual‑aid and emergency procedures would cover those events and that many usual restrictions are lifted for mass‑casualty responses. Council members also discussed the difference between Department of Health licensure and the city’s local licensing requirement under YMC 5.96.

Councilwoman DCO moved the ordinance and Councilman Berg seconded. The roll call vote recorded six yes votes and one no; Councilmember Glenn voted no. After the vote the mayor confirmed the ordinance passed and the code change will be published and enforced according to the city’s normal ordinance‑effective procedures.

The ordinance creates a city civil‑infraction enforcement path; the transcript shows the proposed penalty amount is $500. Staff said the change is intended as a deterrent and an incentive for non‑emergency ambulance providers to stay within the activities allowed by city code or to coordinate with 9‑1‑1 when appropriate.

The council recorded no amendments to the motion during the meeting. The city attorney and fire chief said they will continue to monitor compliance and report back if further clarification or enforcement resources are needed.