Council authorizes IGA with Thurston County Medic 1 to continue advanced life support funding

The Tumwater City Council authorized the mayor to sign a three‑year intergovernmental agreement with Thurston County Medic 1 to continue funding for advanced life support (ALS) paramedic units, training, equipment and facility support.

A fire chief representing the city presented the agreement on Oct. 21 and described the county system: eight medic units operate in the county (three in Lacey, two in Olympia and three in Tumwater). The presenter said Medic 1 reimburses roughly 80–89% of salaries and benefits for medic unit staff and also funds supplies, equipment and personnel training. He said all three Tumwater medic units are scheduled for replacement in 2026.

The agreement maintains current funding formulas, increases a payment to support the station space used by paramedics and provides an additional $32,400 to help cover ongoing facility maintenance costs. Medic 1 will continue supporting paramedic‑school slots (up to two per agency, six total countywide) with financial support in the $50,000–$75,000 range to cover staffing costs while students are in school. Over the term of the agreement, Medic 1 also agreed to fund an added training‑focused position by increasing the FTE staffing allocation from 9.5 to 10 per unit, which the presenter said will create capacity for a day‑position dedicated to training.

Council member Gavi moved to authorize the mayor to sign the intergovernmental agreement with Thurston County Medic 1 for advanced life support funding; Council member Swartout seconded. The motion carried unanimously.

Ending: The three‑year agreement continues the county‑level partnership to fund paramedic staffing, equipment and training and includes modest facility and training additions; it preserves the existing reimbursement framework and anticipates equipment replacement in 2026.