Parkland commission approves five-year interlocal agreement with Coral Springs for fire and EMS services

The City Commission of the City of Parkland unanimously approved a five-year interlocal agreement on March 12 authorizing the City of Coral Springs to provide fire protection, emergency medical services and community risk reduction to Parkland residents.

Jackie Weymayer, senior director of strategy and intergovernmental affairs for Parkland, said the new agreement is effective retroactive to Oct. 1, 2024, to account for changes in staffing and an added fire engine. "The amount of $10,300,000 that you see in the agreement is something that's already funded in the fiscal year 25 budget," Weymayer said.

Parkland commissioners and staff described the Coral Springs–Parkland partnership as longstanding and central to public safety in the city. Parkland Mayor Walker said the two cities' arrangement means "they're 1 of us," and several commissioners thanked Coral Springs for the department's response and community engagement.

Katherine Givens, City Manager for the City of Coral Springs, attended and thanked Parkland officials for the partnership. Coral Springs and Parkland officials said the provision of a broadband circuit and some fleet-rate adjustments are among the modest changes negotiated in the new interlocal agreement; Coral Springs will assume responsibility for a broadband circuit that Parkland has historically paid.

Commission debate was brief. Vice Mayor Israel moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Breyer seconded. A roll call vote was recorded with Commissioners Murphy Soleimone, Breyer, Kanterman, Vice Mayor Israel and Mayor Walker voting yes; the resolution passed unanimously.

Why it matters: Fire and emergency medical services are a core municipal function. The five-year interlocal agreement secures those services within the city's FY25 budget and preserves an operational partnership Parkland officials described as vital to resident safety and emergency response coordination.