Committee advances $25M HHC bond to full council to fund ambulance stations and capital improvements

The committee voted to advance proposal 2-79 to the full council after HHC officials described a $25 million bond authorization to fund capital projects including at least three standalone Indianapolis EMS ambulance stations, land acquisition near the 38th & Keystone corridor if funds allow, equipment purchases and security upgrades.

Paul Babcock, HHC chief executive, said stand‑alone stations address space constraints where ambulances currently operate out of fire stations that lack developed ambulance bays. “By building stand alone stations, it allows our teams to be able to have a couple a moment of respite from doing a run, to be able to relax, take a shower, eat some food,” Babcock said, describing the operational benefits.

Joe Glass of the Bond Bank and HHC finance staff outlined the financing timeline and said the issuance leverages an expiring bond, minimizing net levy impact. Babcock said the $25 million issuance would translate to a minimal property tax impact (estimated roughly 0.0039¢ on the dollar) and HHC is drawing on an existing levy rather than proposing a rate increase.

The committee approved a motion to send the proposal to the full council for final approval in October. HHC officials said they expect approval steps at the HHC board, bond bank board, and then council before closing the bonds in late October or early November.