Board approves exclusive ambulance contract with American Medical Response, 3-2

Santa Barbara — The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on March 4 approved an exclusive ambulance services provider agreement between the county and American Medical Response West (AMR) following a 3-2 roll-call vote.

The board considered a recommendation from the Public Health Department to enter the agreement. The motion to approve staff’s recommendation carried with Supervisors LaVoñino, Hartman and Chair Das Williams Capps voting yes and Supervisors Lee and Nelson voting no. The vote was recorded at the meeting.

Supporters of the agreement described it during the public discussion as a consolidation of ambulance services to ensure consistent coverage and response standards. Opponents raised concerns about competition and local oversight but the board majority found the staff recommendation persuasive.

The item was heard as administrative item A11; staff said the contract will be administered by the Public Health Department. The board’s action authorizes moving forward with the agreement; specific contract execution steps, start date and implementation details will be handled by county staff under the terms presented to the board.

The board’s formal vote was: Supervisor LaVoñino — yes; Supervisor Lee — no; Supervisor Hartman — yes; Supervisor Nelson — no; Chair Capps — yes. The motion passed 3 to 2.