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Council adopts new ambulance and EMS fees, phases up monthly utility charge through 2028
Summary
The Aine City Council adopted a resolution setting new ambulance and emergency medical services rates effective Aug. 1, 2024, with resident basic life-support transports set at $950 and a phased monthly service fee rising to $412 by 2028. Council discussed a possible low-income discount and an advisory group to review rates.
The Aine City Council on June 12 adopted a resolution increasing ambulance and emergency medical services (EMS) charges, effective Aug. 1, 2024, and phasing higher monthly service fees through 2028.
The city clerk read the resolution and the table of rates the council adopted. Under the resolution, the resident basic life‑support transport charge is set at $950 and $1,150 for non‑residents. Advanced life‑support charges range into higher tiers, with non‑resident charges reaching as much as $1,650 for certain special‑care transports. Mileage is set at $20 per mile. The resolution also establishes a monthly service fee for non‑exempt utility classifications that begins at $318 (effective Jan. 1, 2025) and increases in stages to $412 on Jan. 1, 2028.
Council members debated how to reduce burdens on low‑income residents. During that discussion one council member asked the previously approved rate advisory group to investigate a two‑tier approach so households meeting a federal poverty threshold could pay a lower option while others would pay a higher rate; the city would absorb the deferred portion for qualifying residents. The council asked for financial scenarios to evaluate how voluntary higher payments by some customers might offset discounts for others.
The council approved the resolution on a roll‑call vote, 6–4. The resolution’s authorizing language cites a cost‑of‑service study and relevant municipal code sections; the resolution notes the city will revisit rates and reporting in one year.
The council’s action sets the city’s official charges for ambulance and EMS service and directs staff and its advisory bodies to develop implementation details, verification procedures for any low‑income option, and financial projections for how differential rates would be administered.
The council scheduled future review of implementation and asked the newly formed advisory group to report back with recommendations on eligibility, verification and timing before the January fee increases.
