Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ambulance Con topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Maricopa council approves filing for state Certificate of Necessity to create city ambulance service
Summary
The council approved submitting a Certificate of Necessity application to the Arizona Department of Health Services to allow the fire department to run city‑operated ambulances, beginning a process that can take up to 24 months.
The Maricopa City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 18 to authorize staff to submit an application for a Certificate of Necessity (CON) to the Arizona Department of Health Services, a necessary state approval for operating ambulance transport within a defined service area.
Chief Patasse (name spelled variably in the transcript) and city staff said the CON will allow Maricopa Fire to develop and operate city‑owned ambulance transport, with an initial plan to deploy four dedicated ambulances inside city limits and two additional units available as needed. The chief told the council the CON review process can take up to 24 months and may include an administrative hearing.
Supporters at the meeting praised the move. Pinal County Supervisor Rich Badiello said he supported the effort ‘‘100%’’ and urged council approval, and resident Peg Chapados told the council ‘‘Maricopa Fire and Medical is ready’’ and asked for a unanimous vote. Council members approved a resolution to submit the application and start the phased implementation process.
City staff said the CON would let the city scale deployments based on demand, standardize equipment and staffing, and reduce reliance on a third‑party ambulance provider. The council’s approval authorizes submission of the application this month and subsequent staffing and phase‑in work if the state grants the CON.
No opposition was recorded during the public hearing portion of the item and the council voted to approve the resolution without amendment.
