Garland forms Fire & EMS stakeholders committee; staff plans nine‑month review with budget timing tied to 2026 CIP

Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Ott and Leticia McNatt, assistant to the city manager and public-safety committee liaison, briefed council on the newly formed Fire and EMS Stakeholders Committee and its work plan.

The committee, which includes council representatives, department leadership, union representatives, medical oversight and a consultant from Emergency Medical Solutions, will meet monthly with the stated goal of returning to council in 2026 with recommendations about the current 24-on/48-off firefighting schedule and the city’s EMS service model. “This committee was established to take a thoughtful, transparent and forward‑looking look at how Garland delivers these critical life‑saving services both today and for the future,” Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Ott said.

Staff described the committee’s early work: an orientation and an industry-trend briefing (September and October), a planned financial overview in November, a December midpoint check-in and deeper evaluation of alternatives after the new year. City management noted they timed the committee schedule to feed recommendations into the fiscal planning timeline because the city’s budget calendar shifts earlier due to a planned tax-rate swap election in November.

Councilmembers asked for meeting materials and a schedule; staff agreed to provide the committee timeline and said the panel could accelerate work if the committee chooses to meet more frequently. Staff said the committee is expected to produce final recommendations in mid‑May 2026 to align with the council’s CIP workshop timing and the budget process.

Provenance: Update provided during committee reports; city staff and consultants will return with financial and operational analysis before recommendations to council in 2026.