The Marion County Board of County Commissioners held a budget workshop on July 17, 2025, focusing on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting highlighted significant improvements in EMS operations, driven by increased staffing and resources, while also addressing ongoing challenges due to the county's rapid growth.

During the workshop, officials reported a notable enhancement in EMS response times and service levels, particularly since implementing changes based on previous recommendations. Despite these improvements, some areas still experience elevated demand, primarily on the west side of the county. The EMS team is actively monitoring these zones to ensure service balance as call volumes continue to rise.

Financially, the EMS department reported a year-to-date revenue of over $16 million as of June 30, 2025, reflecting an increase of nearly $700,000 compared to the same period last year. The billing department's collection rate stands at approximately 76%, one of the highest in the state. However, there has been a slight decrease in transport revenue, attributed to reduced inter-facility transfers and increased support from community hospital partners.

The proposed EMS budget for the upcoming year is set to increase by 9.26%, totaling $4.6 million in overtime costs, which is a 10% rise from the previous year. The budget also includes requests for additional personnel, specifically 12 firefighters to staff two new rescue units, and a quality improvement technician. The reclassification of three EMS captains to battalion chiefs is also proposed to enhance operational efficiency and leadership within the department.

Overall, the workshop underscored the county's commitment to improving EMS services while addressing the challenges posed by growth and demand. The proposed budget adjustments aim to ensure that Marion County's EMS can continue to provide effective and timely care to its residents.