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Macomb council votes to end Lifeguard Ambulance employee-leasing agreement, effective Dec. 31
Summary
Council voted to terminate the medical transportation employee-leasing and administrative services agreement with Lifeguard Ambulance Service, citing strain on city firefighter staffing; termination notice will be executed with a 90-day notice period and Lifeguard ambulances will continue service in the short term through McDonough District Hospital arrangements.
The Macomb City Council voted Monday to execute a 90-day termination notice to Lifeguard Ambulance Service, ending the city's medical transportation employee-leasing and administrative services agreement effective Dec. 31, 2025.
Mayor and administration officials said the current arrangement, under which the city leases firefighter/EMT staffing in support of ambulance responses, has become untenable for city personnel. The mayor described firefighters as "getting no sleep some nights" because demand currently exceeds the private provider's capacity, and said the administration has discussed the transition with McDonough District Hospital, which holds the primary contract to provide ambulance services in the county.
Administrator Coker added that the agreement contains a 90-day termination clause; the council's action authorizes sending that notice and allows Lifeguard time to hire additional personnel or equipment. Council members asked whether the termination would affect response times; the administration said Lifeguard has inquired about additional hiring and that the city expects dual response to continue in certain circumstances while Lifeguard and McDonough District Hospital maintain ambulances in the near term.
The council moved, seconded and approved the motion to send the termination notice; roll call showed a majority in favor with one recorded opposed vote. The administration said it is open to continuing lease of the city's station space while adjusting staffing arrangements and will coordinate with the hospital and Lifeguard during the transition.
Next steps cited by staff include execution of the 90-day notice, continued operational coordination with McDonough District Hospital and Lifeguard, and return to council if additional contractual or budgetary decisions are required.
