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Commissioners briefed on Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical budget options, Station 6 operating cost concern
Summary
County staff and LDCFM leaders presented budget scenarios that shift near-term cost shares, preserve core ambulance staffing in one option, and flagged an estimated $2 million annual county cost for operating a potential Station 6 expansion in 2027.
County and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM) officials told the Douglas County Commission on July 9 that proposed budget scenarios aim to preserve core EMS operations but that a planned Station 6 expansion could add significant operating costs for the county beginning in 2027.
County staff said the proposed 2026 budget incorporates a governance-year shift that would move the county’s share of LDCFM shared costs from 36% to 38.25% for 2026 only. Staff said EMS revenue for 2026 is estimated at $3,500,000 in the proposed budget materials.
LDCFM staff summarized the so‑called “gray option,” which staff described as minimizing EMS reductions by retaining six battalion chiefs, the training lieutenant and seven 24‑hour staffed ambulances while reducing funded FTEs. The overview said the city of Lawrence’s proposed reductions would cut LDCFM FTE funded at the city from 18…
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