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Council told ambulance subsidy will move from ARP to general fund/9-1-1 budget
Summary
City staff said American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds that had subsidized ambulance service have ended; the city will absorb 12 months of ambulance costs through the 9-1-1 fund via a general-fund transfer, a new recurring expense that council said should be reviewed with the fire chief and vendor.
Council members were told March 5 that ARP funding previously used to subsidize ambulance services has ended and the city will now fund 12 months of ambulance service from the 9-1-1 fund through a general-fund transfer. Staff described the change as a new recurring municipal expense and recommended a follow-up review of the contract and provider performance.
Why it matters: Funding a core emergency medical service from the general fund alters the city’s recurring obligations; council members asked for a more in-depth review of call times and contract terms before moving forward with a long-term commitment.
Finance staff told council the ARP subsidy that previously offset ambulance costs is no longer available and that the general fund now covers the service. Council asked the fire chief and administration to revisit the vendor contract and report back with recommendations. Staff agreed to meet with the provider to explore improvements and to return to council with findings.
Next steps: Council requested a contract and service update at a future meeting; staff said the fire chief will meet with administration and the provider and bring recommended actions back to council.
