Evansville council approves $5.5 million transfer to launch city-run ambulance service and other budget moves

The Evansville Common Council on Sept. 8 approved an amended finance ordinance authorizing multiple interdepartmental transfers and appropriations that include funds to start a city-operated ambulance service, additional police vehicles and increased support for animal control.

The council voted to adopt Ordinance F 2025-10 (amended) by a count of six ayes and one nay. Councilman Hieronymus stated he would vote no, citing concern about adding positions and uncertainties about future revenue.

City officials described the largest single item as an interfund transfer of $5,500,000 from the casino fund to purchase and equip 11 ambulances and related startup gear. Fire Chief Tony Knight said the appropriation covers 11 ambulances and major onboard equipment including cots, stair chairs, power-load devices and LifePak 35 heart monitors. The vehicles will be assigned to host houses across the city and can be moved as call volumes change; officials said they are also exploring leased-equipment options that could reduce upfront borrowing.

Chief Knight and controller Robert Gunter told the council the city will use a third-party billing agency to submit patient transport claims; revenue projections assume typical payer mixes (Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers) and negotiated reimbursement rates. Chief Knight said that if the city borrows the full $5.5 million, the note could be paid back in roughly 4 1/2 years under the current revenue assumptions. He said collections timing varies by payer and that some nonreimbursed amounts are treated as bad debt and accounted for in budget calculations.

The ordinance package included other items on the Sept. 8 agenda: a $1.8 million interfund transfer to the police department to complete a bond bank loan and allow an order for about 21 police vehicles; a transfer using opioid-related funds (approximately $125,000) for training previously designated for EPD; appropriations for animal-control vaccinations and boarding as the shelter manages a high intake of animals; and an appropriation to cover an unanticipated cloud-software invoice.

Council members questioned whether vacant salary lines were being used to fund repairs and operations; department leaders confirmed several of the transfers rely on vacant positions and other one-time or restricted funds. Controller Robert Gunter and department chiefs said vacant positions and timing of new hires created temporary salary savings that staff proposed reassigning to cover immediate needs.

During public comment, Lee Turpin, identified as a resident, urged the council to pause and study the proposal, warning that municipal EMS systems nationally often require large subsidies and can increase costs. "Across the country, municipal EMS systems require millions in subsidies or tax increases just to stay afloat," Turpin said, and he urged the council to allow a study to play out before committing taxpayer funds. Chief Knight and other officials responded with details about recruitment (he said recent paramedic job postings drew 45 applicants) and repayment projections.

Corporation Counsel Sarah Dower reminded the council that revenue and payback figures discussed in the meeting were projections and therefore subject to change.

The council recorded the motion and adoption of Ordinance F 2025-10 (amended) during the meeting; the ordinance, as adopted, reallocates existing funds and authorizes the city to proceed with the purchases and appropriations described in the packet and in council discussion.