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Council presses chief for accountability and data as Cedar Hill plans peak‑time ambulance
Summary
Council members sought more data and accountability measures after the fire chief outlined options including a Cedar Hill peak‑time ambulance and noted a 2.5‑year estimate to build a new station; chief said withdrawal from the regional system would be complicated and recommended further discussion with partners.
Council members used the briefing on the regional interlocal agreement to press the fire chief and city manager for concrete steps to address capacity imbalances and to ensure Cedar Hill's needs are met.
"We want everyone to be safe," Pro Tem Glover said, asking how the agreement could hold each city accountable for its portion of response commitments and whether the model could require partners to build stations or staff peak-time units. The Fire Chief acknowledged the concern and said the city will pursue data collection, placement of a Cedar Hill peak‑time ambulance and continued conversations with partner cities and hospital districts to rebalance demand.
Councilman McCurdy asked what it would mean for Cedar Hill to leave the system; the chief replied that complete withdrawal is not the first option and that the organization likely could not stand alone immediately. When asked how long it would take to build a new station if Cedar Hill chose to invest, the chief said, "It's gonna be 2.5 years with planning and construction and everything." Councilmembers asked staff to return with clearer metrics on capacity, a communications plan so council and residents can understand response coverage, and policy language ensuring the peak‑time ambulance remains assigned to Cedar Hill when in service.
The briefing did not produce a council vote on any change to the agreement; council asked staff to return with additional analysis and recommended policy language.
