Port Angeles approves second peak ambulance unit, adds two fire/EMS positions starting July 2026

The Port Angeles City Council unanimously approved adding two full‑time equivalent positions to staff a second peak‑hour ambulance unit that will extend peak coverage seven days per week. Fire Chief Sharp presented data showing the pilot peak unit reduced level‑0 events (periods with no immediately available ambulance) from 669 to 124 during covered hours and cut hours without any ambulance available from 192 to 28.

Chief Sharp said the first peak unit, deployed part‑time in 2025, captured transport revenue and reduced overtime; staff estimated the second, full‑week peak unit would cost roughly $345,000 and could generate up to $400,000 in additional transport revenue under conservative assumptions. The chief emphasized the proposal is largely user‑funded: transport insurance billing covers many costs and the plan was designed to avoid increasing property or sales taxes.

Finance staff explained the recommended funding approach keeps the general fund neutral by reducing an existing annual transfer to the Medic 1 utility (the motion specified reducing the transfer to $186,600) while covering personnel costs through the medic utility and transport revenue. Council member Latricia moved the measure and framed it as a tested, data‑driven response to demonstrated demand; the motion passed unanimously.

Council set the staffing to begin in July 2026 and authorized the city manager to make minor modifications as necessary. The administration said they will monitor transport revenue and operations and return to council with updates if assumptions change.