Committee forwards WellSpan‑funded amendments to FY2025 police, fire and health budgets

York City’s committee on April 23 voted to place on the May 6 legislative agenda an amendment to the FY2025 budget to incorporate funds provided by WellSpan.

Staff said WellSpan made a $1 million contribution to the city; because of timing and program development the administration delays adding most anticipated WellSpan funds to the budget until programs are finalized. At this meeting staff said the cash has been received and deposited and that the amendment is needed to authorize spending. The amendment would cover police and fire vehicle purchases, software and other programs for the police department (including a community services vehicle), purchases to replace leased fire duty vehicles and to fund two that need immediate replacement, a medical director contract the city outsources, and ecosystem coordinator positions tied to employee coverage.

Staff explained that for fire vehicles, retrofitting leased public safety vehicles (lights, sirens, computer equipment) makes replacement decisions complex; after cost analysis staff said purchasing new vehicles outright was more cost effective than buying out some leases and retrofitting older vehicles. The amendment allocates funds to buy four vehicles immediately and seed a capital fund for the remaining two.

After no public comment and brief council questions, a committee member moved to place the budget amendment on the May 6 legislative agenda; the motion was seconded and the committee approved the placement by voice vote. Final appropriation and procurement actions will be before full council on May 6.