In a recent government meeting, officials from the City of Fort Worth provided updates on ongoing collective bargaining efforts and the transition of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from MedStar to the city. The discussions highlighted the progress made in negotiations, with seven to eight bargaining sessions already held and a final session scheduled for October 25. The team expressed optimism about reaching tentative agreements that would allow for formal documentation and subsequent approval by the mayor and council.

Key topics included the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure civil service protections for MedStar employees transitioning to the city, as well as discussions on competitive wages and incentives to retain staff. The officials emphasized the importance of defining probationary periods for new hires and those transferring from MedStar.

Additionally, the city is working towards obtaining an EMS license from the state, a process expected to take approximately 12 months. This involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Fitch transition team and MedStar's billing consultants. The city has already secured two ambulance assets, marking a significant step in the licensure process.

Financial planning was also a focal point, with officials outlining the need to understand MedStar's cash flows to prepare for the fiscal year 2025 budget. The transition of EMS services to the city is targeted for July 1, 2025, and officials are committed to ensuring a seamless billing process for residents.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the review of existing contracts to eliminate redundancies and ensure compliance with auditing guidelines as the transition progresses. The team is optimistic about the financial outlook and is working diligently to build a sustainable fund balance for the new EMS operations.