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Weatherford commission raises monthly EMS fee to $8 to cover AMR contract increase
Summary
The Weatherford City Commission voted unanimously to raise the monthly emergency medical services (EMS) fee from $6.10 to $8, effective Jan. 1, citing a contract increase with American Medical Response and the need to avoid a deficit in ambulance funding.
The Weatherford City Commission voted unanimously to increase the monthly EMS fee on residential utility bills from $6.10 to $8, effective Jan. 1. The motion was made by Commissioner Warren Goldman and seconded by Commissioner Kendon Wood; roll call produced five ayes.
Commissioners and staff said the increase is intended to cover a contracted increase in the city’s service agreement with American Medical Response (AMR). Staff explained the contract will adjust by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 4%, whichever is less, and that current projections indicated the existing fee could leave the ambulance program operating at a deficit.
During discussion, commissioners compared AMR’s cost and service to other providers and noted the city chose AMR for paramedic‑level care and improved response times. Staff cited that the city has roughly 5,500 meters and that an $8 EMS fee would generate an estimated $528,000 annually for the ambulance fund; staff also said AMR pays the city for dispatch services and rents office space from the city.
Commissioners discussed alternatives such as putting the CPI increase on customers instead of a larger adjustment now, but the majority supported the $8 monthly fee to build a cushion and reduce the need for another rate hike next year. The commission approved the motion without amendment.
The action: motion by Commissioner Warren Goldman, second by Commissioner Kendon Wood; vote: Wood — aye, Ingram — aye, Goldman — aye, Smith — aye, Brown — aye; outcome — approved.
