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Tri‑City Ambulance budget unchanged; transport fees rise amid ambulance shortages
Summary
The council heard that Batavia's contribution to Tri‑City Ambulance remains $265,000 for the coming fiscal year, while patient transport fees were raised (basic life support to $2,400 for residents; advanced life support to $2,650). Ambulance chassis delays mean multi-year lead times for new vehicles.
City representatives reported Monday that Batavia’s contribution to Tri‑City Ambulance will remain at $265,000 for the coming fiscal year, while Tri‑City Ambulance has raised patient transport fees to address rising operating costs and supply-chain pressures.
Laura, the city’s administrator, said the board approved a budget that preserves Batavia’s annual payment. Officials reported the adjusted transport fees: basic life support transport is now $2,400 for residents and $2,700 for non-residents; advanced life support transport is $2,650 for residents and $2,850 for non-residents. Officials noted the new fees remain below medians in the region.
Councilors also heard that ambulance chassis delays have left providers three years behind typical vehicle replacement cycles; the provider is ordering units well in advance and occasionally borrowing backup vehicles when multiple rigs are out of service. City officials said contracting EMS service from Tri‑City remains cost-effective versus an in‑house paramedic service.
Why it matters: Increased fees may affect patients who are billed for transport. The multi-year vehicle procurement timeline introduces operational planning challenges for the provider and the city.
Next steps: Staff said they would follow up with financial details and a breakdown of Tri‑City Ambulance revenue and costs at a future meeting.
