EMS seeks 10 paramedic positions and civilian fleet coordinator funded by compassionate billing program

Chief Jason Stra presented the EMS operating budget and the department's priorities: staffing, ambulance fleet, and station facilities.

Stra said the city now staffs 118 uniformed providers who support ambulance responses and that the system still needs about 32 additional uniformed employees to meet a goal of 20 ambulances during peak daytime demand. He asked council to authorize 10 of those positions, to be funded incrementally from the compassionate billing special revenue fund established last year.

"We are requesting to add 10 uniform staff positions to help with ambulance staffing," Stra said, adding the department wants to be measured and not exceed the compassionate billing fund's capacity. He also requested a civilian fleet and facilities coordinator to manage an expected fleet approaching 47 ambulances plus support vehicles, and an administrative position to bolster volunteer rescue squad programs.

Stra cited the new compassionate billing revenue stream as the funder for many program enhancements; a consultant projected roughly $14.5 million in annual revenue and the chief said current monthly receipts run about $1.2–$1.3 million. Gross annual billings were described as roughly $27 million, with resident write‑offs (the city does not currently collect co‑pays or deductibles from residents) estimated at about $6 million.

Councilors asked about ambulance standardization, the impact of shifting some calls away from red‑light/siren responses, and station space constraints; Stra said many shared fire/EMS stations are older and overcrowded and that a facilities needs assessment is forthcoming.

What happens next: The EMS positions and program budget items are included in FY 2026–27 budget deliberations; the city will monitor compassionate billing revenue and report back on projections and program impacts.