County ambulance fees running ahead of budget; staffing change increased overtime costs
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Summary
Finance staff said ambulance fees were at 71% of budget at midyear and about $200,000 ahead of last year's pace; a January staffing model change (two-person crews on three rigs) reduced response times but increased overtime and expense to 53% of budget.
Speaker 4, Finance Department staff, highlighted ambulance billing performance and operational changes. The report stated ambulance fee collections were at about 71% of budget at midyear and “we're running over $200,000 ahead of last year's pace.”
Speaker 4 said expenses for ambulance operations were at 53% of budget. The expense increase was partly attributed to a January 1 staffing change from “3 people on 2 rigs to 2 people on 3 rigs,” which led to more overtime and call-ins. Speaker 4 said the staffing change reduced average run times and provided a community benefit despite higher costs.
Speaker 4 and other staff noted EMS response time (reported to a public-safety meeting) is “right around 10 minutes,” and proximity of two rigs at the station covers the bulk of city and nearby township runs.
Ending: Staff said the billing improvements were tied to a new billing company and closer data entry, and that staffing and budget implications will be part of the 2026 budget review.