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Marion County approves EMS rate increases to reduce multimillion-dollar subsidy
Summary
Marion County Fire Rescue presented a fee study showing regional transport averages and the board voted unanimously to raise ambulance transport rates; county leaders said the change will lower the general‑fund subsidy by several million dollars while continuing to subsidize service delivery.
Marion County commissioners voted unanimously April 21 to raise the fees the county charges for ambulance transports after a presentation from the fire chief on a recent market survey.
The county’s fire chief said staff surveyed roughly 200 departments statewide and now recommends raising charges to the 100% average of respondents. "This change will help offset any of the cost for providing EMS to the community," the chief said, explaining that the county currently subsidizes emergency medical service operations and that updates are normally performed every three to four years.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the increases are intended to reduce pressure on the general fund, which has subsidized EMS operations by roughly $10 million to $14 million in recent years. Board discussion covered collection rates, Medicare/Medicaid impacts and the county’s continuing role subsidizing transport for uninsured residents.
What the board approved: Commissioners adopted the rate update as recommended by staff. The chief said the change is not a revenue windfall — historically the county collects about 75% of billed amounts beyond what commercial insurers pay — but that the adjustment will restore some balance to the service’s budget while continuing taxpayer support for operations.
Next steps: County finance staff will fold the revised fee schedule into the upcoming budget process and provide more detailed revenue estimates during budget hearings.
