Title
Resolution to Approve Fiscal Year 2027 Fee Adjustments for the Ann Arbor Fire Department
Memorandum
This resolution seeks to amend basic life support ambulance transport fees and lift assist rates for fiscal year 2027 that were previously adopted via R-25-0702 on May 19, 2025. After evaluating all costs associated with ambulance transports, staff recommends that the ambulance transport fee be increased from $621.76 to $717.44. This fee includes the cost of two firefighters responding, as well as EMS officer time, transport allowances per union contract, billing and equipment costs. This recommended cost places us within the regional average for transport.
An evaluation of the lift assist fee was also conducted, and it is recommended that this fee be increased from $219.18 to $288.37. This fee includes the cost of two firefighters and one lieutenant responding to a request for a lift assist.
It is also recommended that the mileage fee for ambulance transports be decreased from $7.95 to $6.82. This fee recovers the cost of operating the ambulance itself. The average distance for transports is 1.5 miles.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The impact of the fee changes for the ambulance transport, the lift assist fee and the mileage rate are neutral to the City as the fee recovers only the cost for these services.
Staff
Prepared by: Kim Buselmeier, Financial Manager
Reviewed By: Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, City Council adopted fees related to ambulance transports and lift assists in March 2024;
Whereas, City Council adopted updated rates for ambulance transports, lift assists and a mileage rate in May 2025;
Whereas, It is recommended that basic life support ambulance transport fees be increased to recover all costs associated with ambulance transports;
Where, It is recommended that an ambulance milage fee be decreased from $7.95 to $6.82 to recover the cost of operating the ambulance; and
Whereas, It is recommended that lift assist fees be increased to be in line with actual costs;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopts the fee for basic life support ambulance transport by the Fire Department at $717.44 per transport;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopts the fee for lift assists by the Fire Department at $288.37;
RESOLVED, That City Council adopts the ambulance mileage rate of $6.82 per mile for ambulance transports by the Fire Department;
RESOLVED, That all fees herein are effective July 1, 2026; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator or their designee be authorized to take all necessary actions to implement this resolution.