La Verne City Council approves $0.20 monthly increase to paramedic service fee

The La Verne City Council on April 20 adopted a resolution raising the city’s monthly paramedic service fee from $6.70 to $6.90, effective July 1, 2026.

Senior accountant Isabella Guzman told the council the fee, established by Measure GG in 1980, helps guarantee access to advanced life support and ambulance transportation without direct out‑of‑pocket costs. Guzman said the proposed 3% adjustment aligns with the consumer price index and is expected to generate approximately $31,432 in additional annual revenue, bringing paramedic fund revenues to a little over $1 million.

"This adjustment aligns with CPI limits and is projected to generate an additional $31,432," Guzman said, adding that even after the increase the paramedic fee would cover only about 7% of the fire department’s operating budget.

Council members voiced support. "$6.90 a month for paramedic services is a great investment for our residents," Council member Crosby said, noting the fee helps residents avoid large out‑of‑pocket ambulance bills. Council member Johnson described the increase as reasonable.

The council took the matter directly after a staff presentation and closed the public comment period; no speakers spoke for or against the adjustment. The measure passed on a 4–0 vote with Council member Casper absent.

The resolution sets the fee increase to take effect July 1, 2026; staff said the fee remains one of several funding streams supporting emergency medical operations and that the city will continue evaluating longer‑term cost recovery options.