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Newport council authorizes mayor to sign EMS contract with Newport Ambulance Inc.
Summary
Council authorized signature on a renewed EMS contract after a presentation from Newport Ambulance Inc. leaders who said their net increase to member towns is small; presenters described service area, call volume and staffing changes.
Representatives of Newport Ambulance Inc. presented the proposed contract to the Newport City Council on Nov. 17 and asked the council to authorize the mayor’s signature. Jeff, a Newport Ambulance representative, told the council the company’s net increase to member towns is "less than half of 1%" this year and that the organization has a companywide budget of more than $6 million.
Jeff and Charlie outlined operational details: the company covers a large multi‑town region (about 888 square miles), has four stations that house 11 ambulances companywide (four ambulances are housed in Newport with two staffed 24/7), and expects companywide call volume to top about 5,600 calls this year. Newport’s own call volume to date was cited at roughly 1,148 calls.
Council members asked how insurance reimbursements affect the budget. Jeff explained that private insurers generally reimburse closer to billed amounts, while Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements are substantially lower (Jeff said Medicare pays roughly 60% and Medicaid around 40% of billed charges), and the contract appropriation helps make up that difference so the ambulance service can maintain coverage and staffing.
After discussion, the council voted to authorize the mayor to sign the EMS contract as presented. No roll‑call tally was provided in the public record during the meeting.
