Consultant says city EMS underperforming; steering committee, contract talks and subsidy options proposed

Mayor Mason convened a study session to review an independent EMS study and hear recommendations for addressing local ambulance response and staffing shortfalls. Healthcare Visions LLC consultant Steve Athey, who conducted the six-month review, told the Mayor and commissioners the system is "underperforming, primarily in response times, and in staffing." Athey said those shortfalls are tied to national trends in EMS staffing and declining revenue per transport.

The study matters because the city has historically relied on user-fee revenue and private providers rather than direct city subsidy. Athey recommended the city form and chair a steering committee that includes medical leadership, negotiate a detailed contract with the EMS provider to define performance metrics and remedies, and evaluate funding options if the city decides to add resources.

At the presentation, Athey summarized his research and on-site review, saying the city's EMS system had been built by accretion rather than design and…