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Mayor seeks consulting study on EMS transport feasibility; Fitch & Associates contract approved
Summary
The mayor and staff recommended and the committee approved a $69,995 consulting contract with Fitch & Associates to analyze the fiscal and operational feasibility of Elyria Fire Department providing EMS transport, deliver a fiscal analysis and alternatives, and advise whether to plan for municipal ambulance service.
Elyria’s administration will hire Fitch & Associates for a comprehensive review of EMS services and a fire‑department feasibility study to analyze whether the city should pursue municipal ambulance transport or pursue alternatives.
The mayor said the city spent about $273,000 for roughly 2,166 transports under the current Lifecare contract for 11½ months (about $126 per transport) and that Lifecare is in a four‑year contract with the city. Fitch’s scope covers a review of current operations, a fiscal analysis of EMS service options, an assessment of fire‑department capabilities and alternatives and a final report with recommendations. The mayor said Fitch verbally committed to a six‑month deliverable timeline and the contract value is $69,995; monies will come from general‑fund professional‑services accounts. The mayor and staff said Fitch has positive references and the work will inform potential long‑term planning if the city decides to operate EMS transport when the current contract ends.
The committee approved the ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter the Fitch contract and requested an emergency clause; the motion carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: An in‑depth fiscal and operational study will give council specific options — including costs, staffing and capital needs — if the city decides to provide ambulance transport or pursue other contractual models when the current vendor contract ends.
Vote: Committee approved the contract and emergency clause.
