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Board hears concern over growing ambulance subsidy and seeks options to make service more sustainable
Summary
Staff reported the ambulance service is projected to require a subsidy in excess of $1 million in FY2026 and briefed the board on exploratory talks to partner with a hospital operator to improve operations and reduce losses. Board members asked staff to pursue potential partnerships and funding strategies and to provide cost–benefit details.
Staff reported that ambulance operations are being subsidized by the general fund and that the department anticipates a subsidy for FY2026 in excess of $1 million if current trends continue.
The presenter said staff had been approached by a hospital contact who thinks there may be operational partnerships to improve productivity and the financial position of the ambulance service. Board members encouraged staff to pursue discussions with the hospital and to return with any formal proposals or memoranda of understanding that would change service delivery or revenues.
Staff also noted previous conversations about potential county delivery of emergency medical services, but said earlier feasibility work showed response‑time and cost tradeoffs that made full county takeover infeasible. The board directed staff to develop options for FY2026 that could reduce the required subsidy and to bring back more detailed revenue and cost modeling.
