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Grand Haven approves multi-jurisdiction Life EMS contract after staff says service improved response times
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Summary
Council approved a contract with Life EMS covering Grand Haven and neighboring municipalities after Public Safety Director Nicole Hudson reported improved response times since December and said the contract includes performance standards and future incentives/penalties; the vote was unanimous.
Grand Haven City Council voted April 13 to authorize a multi-jurisdiction contract with Life EMS for emergency medical services after staff described months of negotiation and an immediate operational presence in the community.
Nicole Hudson, director of public safety, told council that Life EMS began responding prior to the contract award in December and "has done a fantastic job" stepping into the service district. She said the agreement establishes response-time standards through Dec. 31 and that beginning January 2027 the contract will include monetary incentives and penalties tied to those standards.
Hudson said Life EMS has been operating in the district, filling gaps while the procurement and transition occurred, and that the company is working to locate local property or station space to improve coverage. "They're looking at actually extending the Muskegon County as well," she said, adding the firm has retained many local paramedics and EMTs.
Council members expressed appreciation for the operational transition and the level of service and voted to approve the contract on roll call. The action covers Grand Haven and several neighboring municipalities that coordinated to adopt the same contract.
What—s next: The contract takes effect immediately; the performance framework referenced by staff will be monitored and the city will implement incentives or penalties beginning in 2027 if performance benchmarks are not met.
