Council approves amendment to Milwaukee County EMS agreement to fund mobile integrated health/community paramedicine work

The Common Council on June 3 approved Amendment No. 5 to Oak Creek's intergovernmental agreement for emergency medical services with Milwaukee County, incorporating funding for mobile integrated health and community paramedicine services.

Fire Chief Mike Kresick presented the item, saying the program grew from the department's 2021 strategic plan to pilot non-emergency services intended to address recurring needs and improve quality of life for residents. "This amendment identifies the funding, it outlines the funding parameters associated with mobile integrated healthcare and community paramedicine services," Kresick told the council.

Kresick said grant funding previously awarded through OEM (Office of Emergency Management or an equivalent grant program referenced in the presentation) had supported initial staffing and operations; the amendment lays out how the county funding will be requested and reimbursed and identifies funding available through the end of 2026. City staff noted that any extension of funding beyond the period covered by this amendment would require a subsequent amendment.

Council members asked about contract renewal cycles; staff said the EMS paramedic contract is generally reviewed on a three- to five-year cycle and that the amendment was the smoothest way to integrate the new funding into operations. The council adopted the amendment by roll call with all present voting aye. No specific dollar amounts were stated in the meeting beyond the references to grant support and the end-of-2026 funding period.