Council approves RVPA JPA rewrite and sends parcel tax for paramedic services to November ballot

The Corte Madera Town Council voted June 2 to approve an amended Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority (RVPA) and to place a proposed parcel tax to support regional paramedic services on the November 3 general election ballot.

Fire Chief Ruben Martin of the Central Marin Fire Department summarized the rewrite as a modernization effort to strengthen governance, clarify voting thresholds and member withdrawal procedures, consolidate tax collection and finance, and provide indemnity and operational protections for member agencies. Martin said the changes aim to “create one fantastic system” that can better match ambulance placement to community need and improve fiscal transparency.

The revised JPA shifts tax collection and many financing functions back to RVPA, standardizes contract‑for‑service arrangements for ambulances, and includes a 24‑month withdrawal process for members. Chief Martin told the council that the RVPA and the town had agreed on a phased approach to equalize tax rates across jurisdictions over four years; Corte Madera’s share will see a larger increase in the first year to “catch up” to the regional rate.

Council debate focused on how realistic it is for member agencies to revisit RVPA‑approved language, the mechanics of moving ambulance billing revenue to the Central Marin Fire Authority (CMFA) budget, and fiscal impacts to Corte Madera’s general fund. Staff said the town will shift roughly $1.5 million in billing revenue out of the town’s general fund into CMFA starting in the next budget cycle and that ambulance operating costs for comparable units run around $1.9 million annually.

After discussion, the council voted to adopt Resolution 232026 approving the JPA amendments and authorizing the town manager to execute the agreement. Council member Andrews voted no; the motion carried by majority vote.

The council then voted to adopt Resolution 24‑2026 to call a November 3, 2026 election for a Ross Valley Paramedic Authority special parcel tax to fund RVPA operations. The proposed tax schedule begins with a higher initial step to equalize rates and phases to a specified cap by fiscal year 2030–31; staff said the measure is expected to generate about $786,000 annually at the end of the phase‑in. Council member Andrews voted no; the measure will be placed on the ballot for voter consideration.

Why it matters: The JPA changes and potential parcel tax shift how paramedic services are governed and paid for across the valley. Staff and outside consultants will continue work to quantify long‑term operational costs and opportunities for further consolidation/efficiencies. If voters approve the tax in November, RVPA would gain a consolidated funding stream intended to stabilize ambulance placements and response levels across member jurisdictions.

What’s next: The RVPA‑approved JPA now goes to each member jurisdiction for final adoption and staff will return with detailed budget and operational impacts tied to Corte Madera’s FY 2026–27 budget cycle.