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Pasco council approves ambulance utility fee at 80%, rejecting full cost recovery
Summary
The council approved Ordinance 4805 to set ambulance utility fees at an 80% cost-recovery model effective Jan. 1, 2026, after debate about equity, subsidy and the municipal general fund’s role in emergency services.
The Pasco City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 4805, setting ambulance utility fees at an 80% cost model effective January 1, 2026.
Interim Director Garcia reviewed two options presented earlier by the consultant FCS: an 80% model that relies in part on the general fund and a 100% model intended to fully recover ambulance costs. Council discussion weighed competing priorities: one councilmember asked to adopt 100% to reduce the near-$3 million general fund subsidy referenced in council remarks, while others noted the monthly bill implications for residents. Councilman Carter recapped the operational pressures on the 9-1-1/EMS system and said a phased approach made sense.
Mayor Pro Tem Grimm moved to adopt the 80% model; the motion was seconded and carried by a 5–1 roll-call vote. Council members and staff said they expect the change to be reflected on utility bills starting in 2026 and noted continued attention to call-volume trends and system efficiency.
Next steps: staff will implement the fee change per the adopted ordinance and continue to monitor EMS demand and rate impacts.
