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Council approves state hiring grant and ambulance supplemental payment transfer to boost EMS funding
Summary
Santa Fe approved a DFA grant to help hire firefighters in emergency medical technician roles and an intergovernmental transfer to draw federal Medicaid funds through the New Mexico Ambulance supplemental payment program.
The Santa Fe City Council unanimously approved two measures aimed at supporting emergency medical services: acceptance of a Department of Finance and Administration grant to subsidize firefighter/EMT hires and an intergovernmental transfer to the New Mexico Health Care Authority to participate in the ambulance supplemental payment program.
A fire-department representative told the council the DFA grant will subsidize salaries for hired firefighters over multiple years: four positions in year one, two in year two and one in year three. The grant agreement is for $393,750 with a reversion date of 06/30/2025.
Separately, the council approved an intergovernmental transfer of $871,970.20 to the New Mexico Health Care Authority to participate in the state ambulance supplemental payment program. The city expects a federal Medicaid return of $3,181,211.95 under that program and also approved a budget amendment to recognize related revenue and expenses.
City staff described the program as a way to draw down federal Medicaid dollars to help offset the city’s cost for ambulance responses; officials said the average city cost per call is about $4,600. City Manager and councilors publicly acknowledged substantial staff work to secure the program participation. Both measures passed on roll-call votes.
