Council accepts $1.9 million EMS levy distribution to support ambulance service

The Walla Walla City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 26 to accept the 2025 Walla Walla County EMS levy distribution, a staff report said totals about $1,915,494 and will support contracted emergency medical services and ambulance operations.

Fire Chief Eric Wood presented the item and described the levy as a long‑standing regional funding mechanism established in 1990 and renewed every six years. He said the county distribution is split among 12 fire districts and cities using a formula that weights assessed valuation, population and run volume equally. "It is split between a total of 12 fire districts, cities...1/3 based on assessed valuation, population, and total run volume," Wood said.

Wood told council that compared with 2024 the jurisdiction saw increases in assessed valuation, population and run volume, pushing the 2025 allocation higher. He said the city receives the largest share—about 49 percent—because it provides many transports and advanced life support services to surrounding fire districts.

Council members asked questions about how the formula was established; Wood said the distribution model is developed and reviewed by an EMS advisory committee and then approved by county commissioners. Council Member Moss asked whether the city participated in establishing the policy; Wood said the advisory committee includes the city fire chief, district chiefs, and the EMS coordinator and that changes would start with the EMS advisory committee.

Following discussion, Council moved, seconded and approved Resolution 2025-016 accepting the distribution. The vote was unanimous.