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Willard moves to raise EMS and lab fees; council hears possible EMS expansion to Fairfield Township
Summary
City Manager told council on Nov. 3 that Willard will raise EMS rates to 250% of the Medicare Fee Schedule and increase laboratory fees; the city is also exploring a shared-cost arrangement to provide EMS coverage for Fairfield Township, which averages about 61 calls per year.
The City Manager reported to Willard City Council on Nov. 3, 2025 that the city will raise emergency medical services (EMS) billing rates to 250% of the Medicare Fee Schedule and increase laboratory-analysis fees charged under Ordinance 925.17 to outside groups requesting water testing.
The manager said about 20% of EMS income comes from commercial insurance and the remainder from Medicare and Medicaid. "It doesn't cost us to raise the EMS rates. It won't change the individual residents' bill," the City Manager stated during the report.
Council also heard that staff have explored providing EMS service to Fairfield Township on a shared-cost basis. Fairfield Township averages roughly 61 calls a year, the manager said, and adding the township could increase call volume. Officials noted the potential for the additional patients to provide revenue to Mercy Hospital Willard but also warned that expanding territory could divert resources from current coverage areas; Norwich Township was cited as the furthest area the city currently serves.
The manager additionally told council that laboratory analysis rates would be raised to account for city costs when outside groups request testing under the authority of Ordinance 925.17. No specific new fee amounts or effective dates were listed in the meeting minutes; the council reviewed the update as part of the City Manager's report and referred budget and implementation details to staff.
The City Manager's report included other operational items such as a Fire Department grant providing 80 pairs of gloves and 40 hoods, a pre-registered food giveaway Nov. 18 and ongoing leaf collection through November and part of December.
