Aberdeen sets public hearing on EMS rate, approves 2026 EMS agreement with Cosmopolis

Aberdeen City Council on Tuesday voted to set a March 11, 2026, public hearing to consider changes to the city’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) utility rate and approved a separate interlocal EMS services agreement with the neighboring city of Cosmopolis.

The council adopted a finance-committee resolution — moved and seconded on the floor — to place the EMS rate question on a public hearing on March 11, 2026, citing state notice requirements under RCW 35.21.766. The hearing will allow residents to review proposed changes to how EMS is funded and to offer testimony before the council considers any formal rate adoption.

In related action, council members voted to approve a 2026 interlocal agreement between Aberdeen and Cosmopolis to provide EMS services. The motion to approve the agreement was moved, seconded and carried with no opposition voiced on the floor. The agreement is intended to formalize service arrangements for the year 2026.

During public comment, a resident urged the council to place EMS funding on the tax rolls rather than charging a monthly fee, saying the proposed $67-per-month charge was unaffordable for many households. The resident said the monthly fee would disproportionately burden retired and low-income households and asked why a public vote could not determine whether the charge should appear on property tax bills.

The council’s action to set a hearing does not change current rates; it only schedules a public process required by statute. The EMS interlocal agreement approved Tuesday establishes operational relationships for 2026 and does not by itself set the city’s utility rate.

Next steps: the city will publish hearing details as required by state law and accept public testimony at the March 11 hearing. Council deliberation or any final vote on a new EMS rate would come after that public hearing.