Universal City council approves mid‑term increase to Schertz EMS funding amid rising costs

Universal City — The Universal City Council voted Tuesday to accept a mid‑agreement increase to its payments under the interlocal agreement with Schertz EMS after a detailed presentation by Schertz EMS leadership that outlined rising call volume, shrinking reimbursements and sharply higher equipment and personnel costs.

Jason Mabbit, chief of Schertz EMS, told the council the service is facing sustained growth in 911 calls and mounting budget pressure driven by equipment inflation, higher pay across the region and recent changes to state reimbursement rules. "So on average, it's about $1,600 to go by EMS. Expensive," Mabbit said, describing current transport billing and the program's revenue mix.

Mabbit said Schertz EMS operates a broad Northeast San Antonio service area that includes Universal City and several neighboring jurisdictions, runs a mix of 12‑ and 24‑hour ambulance crews, and relies on a per‑capita participant contribution structure plus transport fees. He showed the council two multi‑year options Schertz had proposed to return the service to a cash‑positive position: a steeper 35%…