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Council urges state to fund paramedics if it mandates doubling forces
Summary
Council members asked the state to include dedicated funding before imposing a requirement to double the city’s paramedic force, saying local budgets cannot absorb an estimated $22 million–$28 million increase.
Council members debated a bill pending in the state legislature that would require the City of Los Angeles to double its paramedic force. Authors and staff told the council the measure would impose a substantial fiscal burden on the city: staff estimates discussed during the meeting ranged from about $22,000,000 to $28,000,000 in recurring costs to expand paramedic staffing to the level described in the bill.
Council Member Holden described the proposal as a ‘‘home rule’’ and budget issue and said that if Sacramento mandates the expansion, the state should provide the appropriation. Legislative staff and the Fire Department representative present said the bill as drafted included an SB 90 fiscal disclaimer and would therefore present a significant fiscal impact for the city unless the author inserted an appropriation.
The council approved a motion that would oppose the bill unless it included funding to cover the new mandate; members also asked staff to send amendments and to prepare committee follow-up. A roll-call vote to approve the council motion was recorded as 14 ayes.
Ending: Staff noted the fire department had revised its estimate upward during discussion. No formal state-level action occurred at the meeting; the council directed staff to pursue committee and legislative outreach.
